Teachers' Union Disruption Grounds Flights at Mexico City Airport

On Friday, a demonstration led by a powerful teachers' union caused temporary flight cancellations and delays at Mexico City's main airport, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding wage issues under President Claudia Sheinbaum.

A powerful teachers’ union protest on Friday brought chaos to Mexico City’s international airport, momentarily halting flights and stranding thousands of passengers. The demonstration, staged by the National Educational Workers Coordination (C.N.T.E.), aimed to demand better wages and improved working conditions amid rising economic pressures.

The protest commenced at approximately 2 p.m. local time, resulting in hundreds of union members marching to the airport, blocking access to terminals. Traffic around the airport was severely congested, as police escorted distressed travelers to the airport. Riot police were deployed within the terminal to restore order as flights were canceled or delayed for several hours.

Airlines, including Aeroméxico, offered their customers the opportunity to reschedule flights without penalty in light of the disruption. Though the protest lasted only 20 minutes, the impact on travel was significant, disrupting plans for many individuals waiting to fly.

The demonstration underscores the mounting pressure facing President Claudia Sheinbaum from unions, as her administration grapples with a sluggish economy and a substantial budget deficit affecting public sector pay. Union leader Eva Hinojosa Tera expressed frustration, stating that the teachers have been ignored and disrespected regarding their demands.

With a membership of around 100,000, C.N.T.E. is recognized for its persistent advocacy for higher teacher salaries and reforms to pension and educational laws perceived as detrimental. Their continued activism indicates an ongoing struggle in the face of governmental challenges, demanding urgent attention from officials.