The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) lifted the sit-in it held in Mexico City, although it made it clear that the mobilization does not end. Isael González Vázquez, general secretary of Section 7 of Chiapas, stated that the teachers will continue their organizational process.
“We are leaving, we are leaving, but soon we will return,” he declared to the teachers.
In a conference, González Vázquez acknowledged that the repeal of the ISSSTE Law and the educational reform, the two central demands of the national strike, were not achieved. “It must be said very clearly: the repeal of the two reforms was not achieved. The desire was for them to be repealed, but we have to improve our strength,” he said.
The leader accused the federal government of not presenting a concrete route to repeal these regulations. He considered it contradictory that an administration that defines itself as leftist supports businessmen instead of education workers. “The only thing we ask for is a dignified retirement and labor justice; we are not asking for privileges,” he said.
González Vázquez rejected the accusations that link the teachers’ movement with political parties. He defended the autonomy of the CNTE: “The people are a genuine, pure, natural movement; it is not contaminated and has no relationship with any political party.”
He also denounced acts of intimidation during protests in the capital. He noted that contingents were followed by police and security units. “The repressive role of the State was evident. There were helicopters, motorcycles and police behind the comrades. Even so, we acted responsibly and avoided any confrontation,” he said.
Despite the withdrawal, the leader insisted that it is not a defeat. “The struggle never goes into recess, it never rests; it enters a stage of reorganization,” he stated.
For Chiapas, he reported that the monitoring tables continue with federal and state authorities to address promotions, changes in assignment and increases in hours. In addition, he highlighted commitments in educational infrastructure and basic services for schools.
The federal government agreed to install thematic tables on cases of teachers separated from their position, detainees and victims of state pressure, historical issues of the CNTE.
González Vázquez thanked social organizations, parents and the media for their support. He offered a public apology for an incident with journalists in Chiapas: “We deeply respect their work and we regret what happened.”
