State and National Demands Intersect and Attract Tens of Thousands to the Streets

The strong presence of the SNTE Section-22 teachers and the APPO has once again been felt in the streets of Oaxaca over the past few weeks. Marches and demonstrations on May 1st, 2nd and 15th centered on the movement’s long-standing demands and joined the national protest against plans to privatize the ISSTE (the Mexican Social Security for government workers), as recommended by the World Bank.  These demonstrations attracted tens of thousands of participants from all over the state. Mobilizations temporarily blocked various state and federal highways, closed dozens of government offices, staged a takeover of Radio Universidad and showed strong participation and support for the national work stoppage.  No major incidents of violence occurred and the state government was even quoted as praising the teachers for the legality of their conduct.

Last Tuesday, May 22nd, was the 1-year anniversary of the establishment of the SNTE Section 22 teachers’ encampment that marked the start of the current social conflict and movement in Oaxaca. This year, as every year, the teachers again submitted their list of demands to the state government on May 1st and awaited a response. Upon receiving “minimal” response to their petition by the 22nd, the State Assembly (the Section-22’s highest authority) decided to consult the organization’s 70,000-member base to determine whether the union will go to a full strike and set up camp once again in the Zócalo. While last year’s principal demand was (among other things) the adjustment of teacher salaries to correspond with the increasingly high cost of living in Oaxaca, this year’s demands center around the teachers’ “social demands,” which match those of the popular movement. These include the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, cancellation of all arrest warrants and the resignation of Governor Ulises Ruíz Ortiz. Secondary demands include an increase in resources for school repairs and infrastructure, programs to provide uniforms and breakfast to children in marginalized communities, and scholarships for teachers' and rural farmers' children. The consultation is scheduled to end on June 2nd, at which time the teachers’ next steps will be revealed. Meanwhile, the APPO has released a statement threatening to block the annual Guelaguetza celebration for the second year in a row if these common demands are not met.