MEXICO CITY — Protests by teachers demanding higher pay and changes to pension policies disrupted transportation and public events in Mexico City this week as the capital hosted matches and activities linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to union leaders and government officials.
Members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), a dissident teachers’ union, continued demonstrations across the city on Friday, blocking major roads and gathering near government buildings to press demands for salary increases and the repeal of a 2007 pension reform affecting public-sector workers. Union representatives have warned that protests could continue during the tournament unless negotiations produce results.
The demonstrations come as Mexico City serves as one of the principal host cities for the World Cup, which opened on June 11. In recent weeks, teachers have organized marches, road blockades and a national strike, arguing that government proposals have failed to address concerns over compensation and retirement benefits.
“If there is no solution, the ball won’t roll,” striking teachers said during protests earlier this month, a slogan repeated at several demonstrations and cited by local and international media. Union leaders said the message reflects frustration over what they describe as insufficient progress in talks with authorities.
The CNTE has called for the government to fulfill commitments related to pension reform and wage improvements. Teachers have also criticized existing retirement rules, saying they place an excessive burden on education workers. Protesters have marched through central districts and, on several occasions, blocked access to key thoroughfares including Paseo de la Reforma and other major routes.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has acknowledged the demonstrations and said it remains open to dialogue. The president said authorities would not seek to suppress peaceful protests, while urging continued discussions with union representatives. Government officials have also emphasized the importance of maintaining public order during the international sporting event.
Businesses and residents have reported traffic delays and disruptions associated with the protests. Some business groups have expressed concern that continued demonstrations could affect commercial activity during a period expected to bring increased tourism and international attention to the city.
Tensions have occasionally escalated. Earlier this month, clashes were reported between protesters and police near central Mexico City, with conflicting accounts regarding the use of crowd-control measures. Authorities and union leaders have offered differing descriptions of those incidents.
As of Saturday, negotiations between teachers’ representatives and government officials were continuing. Union leaders said protests would remain in place while discussions proceed, and authorities said they were monitoring demonstrations as World Cup events continue in the capital.
