Teachers belonging to one of Mexico's largest unions take part in a protest to demand better working conditions in Mexico City on March 18, 2026. Thousands of workers from the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) mobilized in the city center to demand the repeal of pension laws, wage adjustments, and changes to education policy. Union leaders from at least five Mexican states gathered at the iconic Angel of Independence monument to demand a dialogue with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The teachers warned that if their demands are not met, they will stage demonstrations during the 2026 North America World Cup, which kicks off in June in the Mexican capital. (Credit: Carl de Souza/Getty Images)
The conflict between Mexico's dissident teachers' union and the federal government has crossed into new territory. After five consecutive days of strikes, road closures, and clashes in the streets of the capital, the movement has escalated dramatically: teachers breached the headquarters of the federal Education Ministry, major highways connecting Mexico City to surrounding states were shut down, and President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly refused to meet with union representatives — all while the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticks louder by the hour.
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