Puerto Vallarta is facing widespread school disruptions as approximately 30 elementary schools have joined the strike initiated by 18 teachers from Section 141 of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE). The teachers have not received their biweekly salaries since September due to administrative errors and unresolved disputes between the State and federal authorities.
The strike, which began today, follows similar walkouts last Tuesday and Wednesday. The impact is now being felt by an estimated 9,000 students across the city, with additional support from teachers in neighboring Cabo Corrientes and Tomatlán municipalities.
Union Representative Speaks Out
“We have not received our salaries since November 1, and despite that, we have continued working,” said Fernando Rodríguez Amaral, union representative of Zone 141 of SNTE Section 16. He is one of the 18 teachers affected by the prolonged wage delays.
According to Rodríguez Amaral, the teachers presented their concerns to the Ministry of Education in Guadalajara but received no definitive response. “The only thing they told us was, ‘We will review it.’ What are they going to review? We already provided the required official document from the federal Ministry of Education, which includes the payment code. There has been no concrete solution,” he stated.
This meeting took place on January 14, yet no progress has been made since then.
Efforts to Mediate
Representatives from SNTE Section 16 met with teachers at the 21 de Marzo primary school, pledging to act as intermediaries between the educators and the Education Secretariat. However, frustration remains high among the affected teachers, who are demanding swift action.
“If there is no solution, the strike will continue tomorrow, and we may even seek direct intervention from Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro,” said Rodríguez Amaral. The governor is expected to visit the region this Thursday.
Student Impact
The strike’s escalation has disrupted educational routines for thousands of students and their families. Concerned parents have expressed frustration over the prolonged work stoppage, urging authorities to resolve the dispute to avoid further disruption to their children’s education.
Government Accountability
As of now, neither the State nor federal education authorities have issued a public statement addressing the strike or outlining steps to resolve the payment issue. Teachers are calling for accountability and immediate action to ensure they receive the wages owed to them.
The continuation of the strike will depend on whether a resolution is reached in the coming days. Until then, Puerto Vallarta’s education system faces ongoing challenges as teachers fight for their right to fair compensation.
