Teacher strike in Mexico ahead of World Cup: 'No solution, no ball rolling'

Teachers on strike in Mexico have taken their protests to a radical level in the capital, Mexico City, just days before the start of the World Cup. Demonstrators, who set fire to soccer player models and balls while blocking major roads to traffic, warned that they would continue their actions throughout the tournament if their demands are not met.

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, which is preparing to host the opening match of the World Cup, is being shaken by labor protests and fierce clashes instead of soccer enthusiasm ahead of the mega-tournament. Thousands of teachers affiliated with the CNTE union have taken to the streets to demand salary increases and the withdrawal of changes to pension laws.

THEY SET SOCCER MODELS ON FIRE

According to a report in The Guardian, giant soccer player models displayed on the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the capital's most prestigious and main avenues, were toppled by angry protesters. The teachers, who tore the jerseys off the models and set them on fire along with giant soccer balls, paralyzed traffic by blocking many of the city's main transport arteries with barricades.

"NO SOLUTION, NO BALL ROLLING"

Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Ministry of the Interior building united around a common slogan that directly challenged the tournament: "No solution, no ball rolling!"

One of the union leaders, Filiberto Frausto, argued that the government is sacrificing public common areas for the commercial interests of giant corporations and made the following statement:

"This situation shows how easily public spaces can be privatized for the interests of the big companies behind the World Cup. While advertisements and the tournament's facade are polished, the struggle for labor rights is deliberately pushed into the background. If an agreement cannot be reached with the government, we will be on the streets during the tournament as well."

FIERCE CLASHES: ONE TEACHER LOST AN EYE

The intensity of the protests escalated with the scuffles between teachers and riot police. Police set up barricades against teachers who wanted to march to the historic Zocalo Square, where giant screens will be set up and which will be used as a fan zone (Fan Fest) as part of the World Cup.

The union leadership announced that 5 people were injured as a result of the police's harsh intervention and that one teacher lost an eye after being hit by a plastic bullet/gas canister. The Mexico City administration, on the other hand, categorically denied the allegations that security forces used plastic bullets or tear gas.

PRESIDENT SHEINBAUM: "BUDGETARY POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITED"

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that they are at the crisis table with the teachers and are keeping dialogue channels open. Sheinbaum said, "We are addressing every issue that can be solved through dialogue. However, there are some demands that our budget does not allow us to meet. We are trying to reach a consensus on the items we can fulfill."

Protesting teacher Sergio Cruz, who described this statement by the government as a "stalling tactic," declared that they would not take a step back with these words:

"The government has so far only held dialogue meetings that do not contain any concrete progress. We only want the justice that is our right. Our demonstrations will continue during the World Cup. This tournament is a great opportunity for the world to see what kind of government we are being ruled by."