**Teachers Protest in Baja California Over Delayed Payments**
Educators and administrative staff rallied at the State Education System offices this Wednesday, expressing discontent with delayed salaries and potential changes to the Issstecali Law. The protest began at 8:00 AM, with teachers displaying banners criticizing the educational authorities for their lack of response after months of negotiations.
Some messages read, “Substitute teachers aren’t the problem, your administration is. We want timely payments,” and “Like Mr. Barriga, I’m owed 14 months’ salary.”
Irving Gastélum, a primary school worker from Section 37 of the SNTE, reported that 800 teachers are owed from previous cycles, with an additional 800 this year, amounting to over 152 million pesos. The education secretary has expressed willingness to pay, but currently lacks the resources. Jacqueline González, representing staff from Secondary School 216, mentioned that some have been unpaid since January 2022.
Members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) were also present to voice proposals regarding the new Issstecali Law. Jorge Huizar Gutiérrez from the CNTE Executive Committee stated, “We request a law that recognizes teachers’ performance and fairly compensates years of service.”
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**Additional Coverage: Education Funding Crisis in Baja California**
Recent reports indicate a chronic shortage of approximately 2,000 teachers within Baja California’s basic education system. The shortage exacerbates the financial woes, impacting education quality. Meanwhile, teachers at Conalep have reported facing reprisals for attempting to switch unions, highlighting broader systemic issues within the educational framework.
State education officials have pledged to address salary arrears, yet teachers remain skeptical. The financial shortfall is part of a larger economic struggle affecting public workers across sectors, as efforts to balance state budgets fail to meet the urgent needs of educational staff.
Authorities are urged to prioritize resolving salary delays as a critical step in maintaining educational standards in the region.