The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) ended its Zócalo encampment on March 20, 2026, after the third day of blockades and marches in Mexico City. Teachers blockaded Afore offices on Paseo de la Reforma from 9:00 a.m. and marched from the Ángel de la Independencia at midday, failing to meet President Claudia Sheinbaum.
On Friday, March 20, 2026, the CNTE began its third day of protests with a 72-hour strike in Mexico City. At 9:00 a.m., they blockaded Afore offices on Paseo de la Reforma, including Afore Metlife at 265, XXI Banorte at 489, Profuturo at 114, Inbursa at 505, Sura at 222, Citi Banamex and Azteca at 381. Later, at 2:00 p.m., they gathered at the Ángel de la Independencia roundabout to march to the Zócalo, where they removed tents installed since Wednesday, March 19. The Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana advised traffic precautions, with alternatives like Circuito Interior, Chapultepec Avenue, Insurgentes, and others. The CNTE demanded a meeting with Claudia Sheinbaum to reinstate tripartite tables and repeal the ISSSTE 2007 Law, plus return to the pension system, school safety, better working conditions, 100% salary increase, end to deductions, no repression, more education budget, and better schools. The president stated some demands cannot be met due to budget shortages. They threatened to block strategic points toward the 2026 World Cup if no dialogue occurs. Downtown merchants reported up to 80% sales drops on the first day, hitting jewelry stores, clothing shops, opticians, and restaurants. Gerardo Cleto López Becerra of ConComercioPequeño noted only 12 normal workdays out of 20 in March, with 30% lower productivity, and criticized 'protest tourism' for authorities' omission.
