Massacre of Teachers in Mexico
The 70,000 schoolteachers in Oaxaca have been on strike since May 22nd, demanding a pay raise, differential pay for teachers working in high-cost regions, resources for school infrastructure, free school breakfasts, school supplies, and scholarships for students. For much of this time thousands have been camped in the centre of the city to press their demands.
Thursday morning, state police attacked the encampments with riot police and helicopters. They also raided the union headquarters, a hotel that houses teachers and the Union’s radio station. Despite the force used against them, teachers were able to regain control of the main plaza and the blocks around it.
With all the chaos, the reports we have received of casualties are not firm and are sometimes conflicting, but it appears that at least 5 people, including one teacher's child, have been killed, dozens wounded and dozens more detained. There is fear that there will be more violence as police backed by federal reinforcements attempt to take the plaza again.
If further violence is to be prevented, the Oaxacan teachers will need the support of the international community to pressure Mexican authorities to rein in their security forces and return to the bargaining table.
If you are a member of a teacher trade union you could get your executive member to take an interest in this.
Contact information below:
Lic. Vicente Fox Quesada
Presidente Constitucional de México
Fax 55 5277 2376,
vicente.fox.quesada@presidencia.gob.mx.
There is also a report in Indymedia
http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2006/06/71509.html
Thursday morning, state police attacked the encampments with riot police and helicopters. They also raided the union headquarters, a hotel that houses teachers and the Union’s radio station. Despite the force used against them, teachers were able to regain control of the main plaza and the blocks around it.
With all the chaos, the reports we have received of casualties are not firm and are sometimes conflicting, but it appears that at least 5 people, including one teacher's child, have been killed, dozens wounded and dozens more detained. There is fear that there will be more violence as police backed by federal reinforcements attempt to take the plaza again.
If further violence is to be prevented, the Oaxacan teachers will need the support of the international community to pressure Mexican authorities to rein in their security forces and return to the bargaining table.
If you are a member of a teacher trade union you could get your executive member to take an interest in this.
Contact information below:
Lic. Vicente Fox Quesada
Presidente Constitucional de México
Fax 55 5277 2376,
vicente.fox.quesada@presidencia.gob.mx.
There is also a report in Indymedia
http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2006/06/71509.html
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