Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum committed on May 18 to resolve threats of a teachers' strike before the World Cup begins on June 11 [1, 2]. She said, "We're going to address this. We must respect freedoms while also ensuring the World Cup proceeds" [1].
Authorities have proposed moving the summer school break earlier from July 15 to June 5 to avoid disruption during the tournament [1, 2]. However, teaching unions say the government has ignored their demands for better pay and pensions, accusing it of undermining legitimate concerns [1, 2].
The CNTE union warned that if their demands go unmet, they will start strike and protest actions beginning June 1, saying, "If there's no solution, the ball won't roll" [1]. Additionally, a branch of the SNTE union plans to suspend activities starting May 25 [1, 2].
These unions have a history of protests that cause street closures and traffic jams in Mexico City, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the World Cup events [1, 2]. Mexico City will host five World Cup matches. Guadalajara and Monterrey will also host games, while the United States and Canada are co-hosting the tournament [1, 2].
The next key dates are May 25, when the SNTE branch plans to suspend activities, and June 1, the proposed start of the CNTE strike and protests if demands remain unmet. The World Cup will start in Mexico and other co-host countries on June 11 [1, 2].