Claiming they were owed pay, benefits, and bonuses, teachers in the state of Michoacán, west of Mexico City in mid-January began blockading tracks.
They shut down at least 250 trains of KCSM and Mexico’s largest rail carrier, Ferromex. Affected were at least 3.3 million tons of freight and more than 8,000 shipping containers had been reported stranded, according to Mexico Daily. Industries like steel and automotive became concerned about supply shortages and the stoppages cost the Mexican economy $1.6 billion U.S.
After 18 days, partial KCSM service resumed in the Acambaro District into Toluca, but the KCSM Caltzontzin District into the port of Lázaro Cárdenas remained closed, reopening Feb. 12.
“We remain cautiously optimistic that the mainline will remain clear, but, in matters of civil protests, risk remains as they are not in our control. We will be monitoring the situation closely and will communicate should the status change,” a KCS web-based customer service update says.
Although all train service in Michoacán has resumed, the federal government has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission against the teachers.
Good for the federal government filing a claim. If it’s true they haven’t been paid they have every right to protest, but not to endanger themselves and the train crews and to block commerce.
Other than seeking attention from the wrong entity, what does running trains have to do with teacher pay?