Quintana Roo Teachers Stand Firm: Refuse to Resume Classes

Quintana Roo teachers have had a preliminary meeting with the federal representative of ISSSTE at the Department of the Interior. They are encouraged by the progress towards open dialogue but remain steadfast in their decision to indefinitely suspend classes. The teachers had previously had a conversation with the state governor, which led to the opening of a federal level communication channel. As of Wednesday, March 12, the progress has been positive. During the meeting, the teachers presented a list of demands and scheduled a follow-up meeting to continue the dialogue.

"We have had the support of parents since the beginning of this strike," said Zacarías Castro, a member of the Central Fight Committee. "We, the teachers of Quintana Roo, especially those from the northern part of the state, are heartened by the support shown by a large group of parents from the rural communities of Ribera del Río Hondo. They have physically expressed their support to our colleagues in the city of Chetumal."

During a press conference in Cancún, the teachers outlined their demands. They want clarity on which high-ranking officials will be affected by the proposed salary cuts and insist that teachers should not be included. They also raised the issue of retirement based on years of service.

"We have not set a date to return to schools. The strike is indefinite and ongoing. As far as we know, the president's initiative is 'on hold'… But it should be dismissed. The voices of teachers, not just from Quintana Roo but from across the nation, should be heard. A new initiative that does not harm our colleagues should be created with the interests of the national teaching staff in mind," a teacher stated.

During the meeting with Martín Batres, the general director of ISSSTE, they discussed legislative timelines and fully defined processes. Batres acknowledged the Fight Committee of Quintana Roo and agreed to open a dialogue table, the exact date of which is yet to be determined. Meanwhile, the teachers will hold internal dialogue sessions at their sit-in, with the aim of forming a committee to attend these dialogue tables in Mexico City. All agreements will be clearly defined. The Colleges of Bachelors and Conalep have also joined the movement, staging staggered strikes and setting up camp at the SEQ to show their solidarity.