Mexico's teacher strike leaves 1.4 million children without classes

A ten-day teachers' strike in Mexico has disrupted education for over 1.4 million children. The walkout involves 88,106 teachers and has already cost the treasury more than $50 million in wasted salaries and resources. Several state governments have refused to penalise the striking educators by withholding pay. The strike centres on broken promises made by the government’s Fourth Transformation to the CNTE teachers' union. Negotiations between the union and federal officials are now under intense pressure, with the CNTE holding a stronger position against the administration.

So far, the strike has wasted around $3.4 million daily in unearned salaries. With an average monthly wage of $1,170 per teacher, the total financial impact has surpassed the 2026 budget allocated for teacher training and development. While the General Education Law does not explicitly require pay deductions for striking teachers, state governments like Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Zacatecas have chosen not to enforce deductions under current regulations.

The dispute is part of a wider pattern of unresolved conflicts facing the federal government. These include ongoing issues with Pemex, the Ayotzinapa case, and the search for missing mothers. The strike has left over 1.4 million students without classes. The financial toll has exceeded $50 million, straining public funds. State authorities continue to navigate the legal and political challenges posed by the prolonged industrial action.