**Teachers in Baja California Reject ISSSTE Reform Proposal**
Teachers in the Baja California branch of the National Coordination of State Workers (CNTE) have voiced their strong opposition to the “Plan for the Transformation of the ISSSTE” introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. The plan, which has been sent to the Chamber of Deputies for approval, includes controversial measures, such as raising the retirement age and increasing workers’ contributions, along with taxing certain benefits and bonuses. The teachers see this as a betrayal of past commitments to the education sector.
Marco Antonio Pacheco Peña, the state coordinator for the CNTE in Baja California, criticized the proposed changes, stating that teachers now face working until the age of 60, contrary to previous agreements of retiring after 28 to 30 years of service. He also highlighted the economic burden the increase in contributions would impose, estimating an annual collection of around 700 billion pesos from teachers alone.
Pacheco Peña pointed out the inadequacies in basic healthcare services provided by ISSSTE, despite regular deductions from teachers’ salaries. As a result, many opt for private healthcare, which, although costly, provides faster services.
In response, the CNTE has organized a 48-hour strike for February 27 and 28 to protest the reforms. They demand the withdrawal of Sheinbaum’s initiative, deeming it a betrayal of campaign promises to the teaching community.
**Secondary Article: ISSSTE’s Proposed Changes Aim to Enhance Worker Benefits Amid Controversy**
The director-general of ISSSTE, Martà Batres Guadarrama, unveiled a 25-point transformation plan aimed at strengthening the rights of State workers, including key changes that sparked significant debate among public sectors.
Some of the highlights of the plan include the alignment of salaries between ISSSTE and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), hiring more healthcare professionals, and significant investments in maintenance and upgrades of medical facilities. The initiative also seeks to slash wait times for medical services and expand access to housing benefits for low-income workers.
Critics argue that while these improvements aim to enhance the quality and reach of the ISSSTE, the financial burden on workers is significant, particularly with the proposed increase in contributions and taxes on benefits.
The plan, seen by some as leaning towards neoliberal policies, also proposes a shift in investment towards infrastructure such as the new international airports and the cultural programs of the Fourth Transformation. However, teachers and worker unions demand more inclusive discussions and balance to avoid placing undue stress on workers’ finances while improving service efficiency.