Mexico's CNTE protests continue ahead of 2026 World Cup over pension law

The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) has rejected the federal government's proposal to modify the ISSSTE pension system and is demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law. The union insists on a solidary pension scheme and reports that thousands of teachers remain camped in Mexico City’s historic centre despite cold weather.

CNTE leaders say they will try to reach the “last mile” of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 11 June, positioning banners and signs near the stadium without confronting fans. Hundreds of additional teachers are expected to join the protest, which the government says will not affect commercial activity because the streets remain open.

The federal government, represented by Secretary of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez and other officials, says dialogue with the CNTE is ongoing, citing recent meetings in Oaxaca, Chiapas and Zacatecas and offering a strengthened pension fund and a public insurer. The administration calls the union’s demands “insufficient” and urges an end to the strike to avoid disruption to schools, workers, visitors and businesses.