**CNTE Organizes Caravan in Tijuana Over Lack of Payment for Temporary Teachers**
Tijuana, August 20, 2024 – A group of teachers from the Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE) organized a caravan protest from Parque Morelos to the toll booth on the Tijuana-Tecate highway. They are protesting against the lack of payment for interim teachers in the state of Baja California.
About 3,000 interim teachers have not received payment for their teaching hours. The caravan began at around 9 AM and the teachers announced they would stay at the toll booth until 3 PM, allowing drivers to pass without paying the toll fees.
Marco Antonio Pacheco, coordinator of the CNTE’s Teachers’ Resistance Movement, explained their decision to take over the toll booth. “It’s the most expensive toll booth in Mexico. We will let drivers pass for free due to the government’s failure to pay the teachers, especially interim teachers who have not been paid since 2021,” he stated. Additionally, the group is demanding an 11% salary increase for state teachers, which has yet to be implemented.
Teachers have warned that they might not return to classrooms due to the ongoing payment issues. Jesus Moreno, a teacher, mentioned that he has not received his salary since October 2023. He emphasized that the purpose of the caravan is to make parents and the general public aware of the teachers’ plight. “It is difficult for teachers to start a new academic year without having received payment for the previous one,” Moreno added. The teachers reported that educational authorities have promised extraordinary funds, but this has not materialized.
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**Secondary Article: Teachers’ Protests in Baja California to Continue**
Recent reports indicate that protests by teachers in Baja California are set to continue as interim teachers have yet to receive their owed salaries. The CNTE has been vocal about the payment delays affecting around 3,000 educators since 2021. The organization also calls for the implementation of an 11% salary increase for state teachers, which is overdue.
These protests have garnered support from parents who fear the delays might affect the upcoming school year. In addition, other state workers, including members of the judiciary, have joined in solidarity, protesting for better working conditions and support from their union.
Authorities have assured the release of funds but have not specified a timeline, leaving the affected teachers in a state of uncertainty. As a result, the CNTE continues its efforts to bring attention to the issue through various forms of protest, including taking over toll booths and organizing caravans.
For further updates, continue following TJGringo.com for up-to-date information on this developing story.