Teachers’ protests once again impacted the operation of strategic infrastructure in the country. During the early hours of Thursday, June 11, members of the CNTE (National Coordinator of Education Workers) gathered near the Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, the main air terminal in Chiapas, where they set up roadblocks that prevented the normal flow of vehicles and passengers.
The action began around 5:00 a.m. in the municipality of Chiapa de Corzo. The protesters occupied the main entrances to the airport complex and placed obstacles to prevent access to the terminal, which quickly caused complications for those with flights scheduled for the early morning hours.
The situation generated uncertainty among passengers, who used social media to report difficulties reaching the airport. Photographs and videos circulating online showed long lines of people with luggage trying to reach the facilities, as well as disruptions to traffic in the area.
In addition to the blockades, various videos showed smoke rising from the terminal entrances, while groups of teachers remained gathered at the airport’s entry and exit points.
Why is the CNTE continuing its protests?
The protest is part of the indefinite national strike that the teachers’ union has been holding for more than ten days in different parts of the country. Among their main demands are the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law and the elimination of the individual account system managed by AFOREs (Retirement Fund Administrators).
The teachers are also demanding changes to the retirement system, requesting that pensions be based on years of service and not on age. They also reject the continued use of the Unit of Measurement and Updating (UMA) to calculate pensions.
These demands are complemented by calls for improved medical services for retired teachers and the establishment of a negotiating table capable of addressing the movement’s issues.
Blockades Affect Key Terminal for Chiapas
The Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport maintains connections with key national destinations such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Mérida, and Cancún. Therefore, any disruption to its access routes impacts passenger traffic, commercial activity, and tourism in the state.
The protest in Chiapas coincides with similar actions by the CNTE teachers’ union in states such as Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Zacatecas, and Mexico City.
Source: record
