Mexico City Paralyzed by Teachers’ Protests

[Joe Shlabotnik]

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Thousands of striking teachers strangled traffic and blocked access to Mexico City’s international airport last Friday, flexing their muscles in a bid to block educational reforms intended to introduce teacher evaluations and reduce union power over hiring decisions.

Hundreds of striking teachers battled police at the Congress building and later blockaded streets around the building, forcing lawmakers to meet in a convention center to vote on the education reform bill, parts of which were approved by the lower house.

The protesters took over much of Mexico City’s downtown historic district, erecting a vast tent encampment in the main plaza and surrounding streets.

The protesters have refused to move to make room for Sunday’s Mexico City Marathon race, forcing organizers to reroute the run. The marathon had been scheduled to conclude in the vast main plaza, but will now pass through a much smaller, more modest finish line.

http://www.banderasnews.com/1308/nr-teachersstrikeshutsdowndf.htm

[Laelth]

1. k&r for labor. n/t

-Laelth

[lunatica]

2. kick'd and rec'd

I only hope the government doesn't get nasty and start beating or shooting the teachers for daring to resist.