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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | June 2006 
Armed Teachers Turn Violent in Pay Battle
 Rebeca Romero - Scotsman.com
| | Some have expressed fears that the ongoing conflict could disrupt voting in Oaxaca next month, when Mexicans will elect a new president and congressional representatives. |
Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico - Striking teachers, including some armed with machetes and guns, hijacked and burned buses and blocked about 20 motorways as their battle for a pay increase intensified.
The increasingly violent clashes threaten to last until Mexico's presidential election on 2 July.
The teachers blocked the roads in an unsuccessful attempt to stop a march in support of Ulises Ruiz, the governor of Oaxaca state.
Thousands of people joined the pro-government march, demanding the teachers return to the classrooms, stop violent protests and end their occupation of the historic centre of the Oaxaca state capital, which they have turned into a protest camp.
Dressed in white shirts to symbolise peace, the marchers chanted "No to violence!"
In the past month, the striking teachers have sprayed historic buildings with graffiti around the arch-ringed main plaza in Oaxaca, and blockaded government offices. The governor last week ordered police to force the protesters out of the central square.
Police officials said teachers blocked the majority of federal and local highways leading into the capital on Thursday in their attempt to turn back coaches carrying ranks of government supporters.
The teachers burned at least two buses in one community and some attended the blockades armed with sticks, machetes and guns, police said.
On Monday, the teachers had broken off negotiations with the authorities and blockaded government offices after federal officials said they could not meet their pay demands.
State officials say they do not have the money to grant a large, one-off pay increase.
Some have expressed fears that the ongoing conflict could disrupt voting in Oaxaca next month, when Mexicans will elect a new president and congressional representatives.
Arturo Chavez, Mexico's deputy interior secretary, said officials had no confirmation of reports that guerrilla groups have been involved in the protests. The government was urging teachers to restart negotiations with state officials. "We can resolve these differences through dialogue," he added. |
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