Teachers Protest at Archaeological Sites in Yucatán

A group of teachers from the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) held a protest at major tourist sites in the state of Yucatán.

The educators blocked access to the archaeological zones of Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and Uxmal—places visited by tourists from around the world.

During the protest, they allowed visitors to enter for free, waiving entrance fees, and set up tents and canopies at the main entrances. This demonstration is part of a teachers’ strike that has been ongoing for several weeks throughout the state.

The CNTE decided to continue their protests after a meeting in the main square of the town of Valladolid, where they agreed to keep demanding:
• A 100% salary increase
• 90 days of Christmas bonus pay
• Better conditions for the education system
• The repeal of the ISSTEY law passed in 2022, which they believe harms their labor rights.

The teachers warned that they might escalate their protests in the coming days if the state and federal governments do not respond.

Meanwhile, Yucatán authorities stated that they respect the right to protest, but urged demonstrators not to negatively impact tourism or the local economy, and called for dialogue and reconciliation.