### CNTE Teachers May Not Return to Classrooms Due to Unpaid Salaries
Amid ongoing non-payment issues, teachers from the CNTE (National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers) in Baja California are considering not returning to classrooms on August 26. Educators expressed their concerns during a peaceful protest held on August 19 in front of the Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Tijuana.
“We are here in a peaceful demonstration due to the non-payment to our temporary colleagues. Approximately 400 of our colleagues have not received their payments, and we are dismayed by the governor’s statements claiming there are no outstanding payments to teachers,” stated Erick Díaz Preciado, Secretary General of the D-140 and member of the CNTE BC’s democratic committee.
He mentioned that the amount owed varies, with some teachers awaiting payments from two months, a school year, or even dating back to 2021. All necessary documentation has been submitted and acknowledged by the educational system.
They estimate millions of pesos are owed, although the exact figure isn’t specified. “There are no pending cases without proper documentation. We have held numerous meetings with the educational system and the new Secretary of Education regarding these payments,” he added.
Following previous protests, a payroll release was promised for July 19, which was postponed to July 29, then to August 15; however, payments have still not been received.
“We’ve noticed that colleagues expecting this payroll might see partial payments. None of them will be fully compensated. Payments have been cut off as of May 31, regardless of the period or duration of their services,” explained Díaz Preciado.
He emphasized that if payments are not made, teachers will not return for the school year. They urged the public to understand their plight. “To the community, we want to say that the teachers of Baja California are committed to the children. Despite working without fair pay, they are dedicated. However, their rent, electricity, and water bills do not wait,” he asserted.
Sandra Cabrera, a primary school teacher with 15 years of experience, shared that she is owed around 30,000 pesos and her household now relies solely on her husband’s income. “I am owed approximately six paychecks from April to now. The latest payroll lists me as receiving payment for just one paycheck,” she stated.
She added, “I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; it felt like a mockery. We’ve been owed for so long, and it just seems unfair.”
### Additional News on Teacher Protests
**Teachers Union in Other Regions Join Protests Over Pay Issues**
In a similar vein, teachers from other regions have also initiated protests over unpaid wages, echoing the issues faced by their counterparts in Baja California. Numerous educators from Guerrero and Oaxaca have reported several months of unpaid salaries, threatening to go on strike if their demands are not met promptly. The unified stance taken by teachers across these regions highlights the growing frustration over financial instability, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of their salaries. According to multiple sources, coordinated efforts are being planned to bring this issue to a national spotlight, aiming to secure timely payments for all affected educators.
The ongoing dissatisfaction among teachers is a serious issue that needs immediate addressing by education authorities to avoid disruptions in the education system and ensure that educators receive their rightful compensation for the crucial role they play in society.