A group of Mexican teachers has ended a 20-day strike over wages and pension reforms, concluding weeks of protests that disrupted activities linked to World Cup events in Mexico City.
Pedro Hernández, a representative of the CNTE teachers’ union, said the decision to return to classrooms was made in the interest of students and communities, while insisting the movement would continue.
“Today, we are returning to our classrooms because we intend to honour our commitments to our students, their communities, and their parents,” Hernández told reporters. “However, they have not succeeded in shaking our conviction that this fight will continue.”
The strike, led by a breakaway faction of the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación, saw demonstrators block streets and stage protests demanding salary increases and pension reforms rejected by authorities as unfeasible.
Security forces had earlier prevented protesters from reaching key public sites, including the Estadio Azteca, which has hosted matches connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the opening game in Mexico City.
Authorities also restricted access to the Zócalo, where official fan activities are taking place.
President Claudia Sheinbaum had urged dialogue throughout the unrest, stating that her administration would not respond to provocations while keeping channels open for negotiations.
