**Protest Erupts at Conalep La Paz: State Director Accused of Harassment**
Teachers and union leaders from the Academic Workers’ Union of Conalep in Baja California Sur (SINTACBCS) staged a symbolic protest to spotlight what they claim is workplace harassment and breaches of their collective contract by state director Sandra Lili Herrera Nagafuchi. Professors and representatives from the union have reported feeling threatened, particularly when they raise concerns about deteriorating working conditions at the La Paz campus.
A banner displayed at the protest read, “Mr. Governor: the state director does not respect our rights, and even threatens us when we try to assert them. We demand respect for the union and our rights.” According to Yasodhara Ortiz Valenzuela, the union delegate, there have been numerous ongoing violations of the SINTACBCS collective contract.
Ortiz Valenzuela highlighted that the state director often fails to respond promptly to official requests, despite a mandated five-day response period stipulated in the contract. Additionally, the union has expressed frustration at not being notified about new work centers, which they argue is required by their contract. Herrera Nagafuchi is also accused of meddling in union matters, allegedly threatening those who voice dissent.
Beyond these issues, the La Paz campus is reportedly dealing with significant underfunding, leading to poor conditions such as malfunctioning air conditioning systems and unreliable transportation.
Ortiz Valenzuela voiced concerns for the students’ learning environment, insisting that necessary conditions must be met for effective education. The union aligns with national demands, which include immediate and retroactive salary strengthening across states, a rejection of imposed criteria for school support compensation, and allocation of federal budget resources toward salary homologation in fiscal year 2025.
**Secondary Article: Growing Unrest in Educational Institutions Across Baja California Sur**
In recent weeks, protests similar to those at Conalep La Paz have emerged in various educational institutions across Baja California Sur. Educators are increasingly vocalizing their concerns over inadequate funding, undue administrative influence, and breaches of collective bargaining agreements.
In the wake of these events, educational authorities and state officials are under mounting pressure to address the grievances of union members. Calls for dialogue between state directors and union representatives are being echoed by several advocacy groups, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach to resolving these ongoing issues.
Such widespread unrest highlights the critical need for reform within the educational system, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the resources and support required to foster a productive learning environment. The resolution of these conflicts is deemed essential not only for the welfare of educators but also for maintaining the quality of education that students across the region deserve.