Teachers' Strike Hits 1.39 Million Students

An indefinite strike by the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educacion (CNTE), Mexico's largest teachers union, had left 1.39 million students without classes as of June 5, 2026. The action shuttered 17,289 public schools across six states, according to Mexico's Education Ministry.

The walkout, which began June 1, mobilized 88,106 teachers, representing 8.35% of the country's teaching workforce, according to reporting by El Universal. Education Secretary Mario Delgado Carrillo outlined the scope during his June 9 press briefing, noting the strike affects 6.88% of national enrollment and 8.49% of public schools.

Core Demands

The union's primary demand centers on scrapping the Sistema para la Carrera de las Maestras y los Maestros (USICAMM), a teacher evaluation and career advancement system. Teachers are also pushing for changes to the ISSSTE public employee benefits program.

Regional Impact

The strike's heaviest toll falls on southern and central Mexico:

Government Response

Delgado appealed to the CNTE to return to classrooms and consider federal proposals regarding the USICAMM system and ISSSTE reforms. The Education Ministry scheduled fresh negotiations with union leadership for the coming days. The strike's duration and impact on the school calendar will hinge on those talks.

FAQ

**How many students does the CNTE strike affect?**

As of June 5, 2026, 1.39 million students were out of class, with 88,106 teachers participating and 17,289 schools closed, per Education Ministry data.

**What are the CNTE's main demands?**

The union demands the cancellation of the USICAMM teacher career system and seeks changes to ISSSTE benefits, along with salary adjustments.

**Which states are hardest hit?**

Oaxaca, Chiapas, Zacatecas, Guerrero, and Michoacan bear the brunt of closures. Oaxaca alone accounts for over 10,600 shuttered schools and 734,000 students without instruction.

Sources