By Our Correspondent
National News – Thousands of Mexican public school teachers staged protests in Mexico City on Friday, demanding a major salary increase and threatening to disrupt activities linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the government fails to meet their demands.
The protest, organised by members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers, drew attention on Teachers’ Day as demonstrators marched through the city carrying banners and chanting for better welfare packages.
The teachers, estimated to be about 3,000, attempted to approach the education ministry but were blocked by heavily deployed police officers.
Protesters accused the government of prioritising the football World Cup over the welfare of educators, with some carrying signs criticising spending connected to the international tournament.
According to union representatives, the disagreement centres on salary negotiations.
While the government and the official leadership of the teachers’ union agreed on a nine per cent pay rise, a dissident faction rejected the proposal and demanded a 100 per cent increase in wages.
The teachers argued that current salaries are not enough to meet rising living costs across Mexico.
One of the protesters, Filiberto Fraustro Orozco from Zacatecas State, said union members were prepared to intensify demonstrations during the World Cup scheduled to begin on June 11.
He warned that teachers could block major roads and disrupt activities in the capital if their demands continue to be ignored.
Mexico, which will co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Canada, expects millions of international visitors during the competition.
Previous industrial actions by teachers have reportedly caused severe traffic gridlock and temporarily disrupted access to the international airport in Mexico City.
The protest has increased pressure on the Mexican government as authorities seek to balance preparations for the global football event with growing demands from workers seeking improved pay and working conditions.
