Union conflict escalates between SNTE and dissident factions
In a speech full of symbolism during the 69th anniversary of Section 45 of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) in Guanajuato, the general secretary Alfonso Cepeda Salas launched harsh criticism against the dissident groups of the teaching profession. “Authentic educators build the nation, they do not destroy what was built with decades of effort,” he stated, in clear reference to the recent acts of vandalism attributed to the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE).
Institutional confrontation and million-dollar damages
The conflict reached its peak on June 5, when teachers affiliated with the Ceteg (Guerrerense arm of the CNTE) broke into the national headquarters of the SNTE in Mexico City. According to official reports, the damage amounted to 35 million pesos in furniture, equipment and documentation. Cepeda Salas announced legal actions to recover these funds, possibly through withholdings from the union shares of Section 22 of Oaxaca, historically opposed to the national leadership.
This Thursday, the tension intensified with the takeover of the offices of the General Coordination of Human Resources of the SEP, where protesters reported physical attacks by officials. Although the authorities agreed to return 10 million pesos in salary discounts, the dissident leaders reject the economic sanctions: “They will not divide us with coercive measures,” declared Emilio Montero of the IEEPO.
Opposing versions and polarization
While the SNTE insists that only sections 22 (Oaxaca) and 18 (Michoacán) reject the universal vote, the capital’s CNTE (sections 9, 10, 11 and 60) categorically denied the damage to the SEP: “It was a peaceful protest; we were attacked,” they said in a statement. However, witnesses described scenes of chaos with scattered documents and terrified employees.
Analysts point out that this conflict reflects a historical fracture: on the one hand, the SNTE – with 1.2 million members – defends its role as the sole interlocutor before the federal government; On the other hand, the CNTE and allies demand regional autonomy and reject what they describe as “corporatist practices.”
Impact on the educational system: Experts warn that the escalation of tensions could affect the start of the 2025-2026 school year, especially in states such as Oaxaca and Guerrero, where dissident sections have strong influence. Meanwhile, the SEP maintains parallel dialogues with both sides, seeking to avoid a collapse in the pending salary negotiations.
What’s next? The SNTE has called a national assembly to reinforce its unity strategy, while the CNTE prepares massive mobilizations in August. The risk that local conflicts will lead to a national teachers’ strike remains latent.
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