CNTE Announces National Strike and Mobilizations for Late March
MEXICO CITY, March 5, 2026 – The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) has officially declared a new phase of industrial action, scheduling a 72-hour national strike to begin later this month. The dissident union, which has historically challenged both the Mexican state and the leadership of the SNTE, continues to mobilize against administrative reforms and for improved labor conditions.
Upcoming National Strike and Protests
Following recent internal deliberations, the CNTE has announced a 72-hour national strike scheduled for March 18, 19, and 20, 2026. This mobilization is intended to pressure federal authorities regarding long-standing labor demands and opposition to neoliberal educational policies.
March to the Zócalo
In addition to the work stoppage, union members are organized to participate in a major march originating from the Angel of Independence. The demonstration is expected to culminate in Mexico City’s Zócalo, serving as a public display of the movement’s persistent influence in the Mexican educational sector.
Organizational Profile
The CNTE (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) functions as a dissident faction of the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE). Since its inception, it has positioned itself as a radical alternative, focusing on the democratization of the union and the protection of teachers’ rights against economic inflation and government-led reforms.
Key Facts
| Full Name | Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación |
|---|---|
| Acronym | CNTE |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Affiliation | Dissident section of the SNTE |
| Primary Objectives | Wage increases, union democratization, resistance to neoliberal reforms |
| Country | Mexico |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SNTE and the CNTE?
The SNTE (Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) is the official national teachers’ union in Mexico. The CNTE was formed in 1979 as a dissident wing within the SNTE, seeking to democratize the organization and adopting a more militant stance against government educational and labor policies.
When is the next CNTE strike?
The CNTE has scheduled a 72-hour national strike for March 18, March 19, and March 20, 2026.
Why is the CNTE protesting?
Historically, the CNTE protests against what it characterizes as purely labor and administrative reforms that negatively impact teachers. Their mobilizations often seek wage increases and the preservation of worker autonomy in the face of neoliberal economic shifts.
Where will the March 2026 protests take place?
While the strike is national, a major march is planned in Mexico City, moving from the Angel of Independence to the Zócalo.