### Primary Article: Teachers in Baja California Threaten to Halt Classes Over Unpaid Salary Increases
Teachers in Baja California have announced that they will not commence the 2024-2025 school year unless the government fulfills their demands for an 11% salary increase, retroactive payments, and settlement of past debts owed to substitute teachers. This ultimatum was declared by Héctor Miguel Lara Ochoa, the General Secretary of the State Union of Education Workers (SETEBC).
“Classes will not start, and we want parents to understand our position as this is the only way to demonstrate our dissatisfaction with the government over our wages,” Lara Ochoa emphasized.
In a recent announcement, the Baja California government stated they would allocate 198 million pesos on August 15 to address some of the pending payments. However, Lara Ochoa pointed out that these payments, encompassing vacation bonuses, summer incentives, and endorsements for educational quality, should have been made two weeks ago. Importantly, these funds do not cover the awaited salary increases.
The government promised the salary increase back in May, traditionally when such financial adjustments are planned, but the payments have not reached the teachers. Lara Ochoa further elaborated that the teachers are not interested in the government “looking for ways” to pay the salaries; they simply want the due payments made.
Additionally, Lara Ochoa highlighted the issue of 25 million pesos owed to substitute teachers, some of whom have been waiting for over five years for their pay.
### Secondary Article: School Year Start May Be Delayed If Teacher Debts Are Not Settled, Warns CNTE
The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) has joined SETEBC in warning that the start of the school year is at risk if the government fails to pay the promised dues to teachers. CNTE representatives pointed out that the payments announced by the Baja California government are overdue and insufficient as they do not include the much-needed 11% salary increase or the retroactive payment from January to date.
Teachers across various unions in Baja California are unified in their stance. Their collective frustration stems from years of postponed payments and broken promises from the government. The teachers’ unions argue that the government often prioritizes other expenditures while neglecting the essential remuneration of educators, who play a critical role in the development of the region.
Members of both SETEBC and CNTE are urging parents and the broader community to be sympathetic to their cause, as it directly impacts the quality of education for the students. With the clock ticking towards the scheduled start of the academic year, tension is mounting to see if the Baja California government will meet the teachers’ demands and ensure a smooth beginning to the school year.