Retired teachers promised payment

The state announced Wednesday that retired teachers will begin receiving their October monthly payment Thursday.

The announcement was made a week after teachers held protests all over the state to demand payments due last month.

According to the announcement, the state made financial negotiations in order to pay teachers starting Thursday.

“This negotiation has been held for weeks and has finally been closed in order to avoid more inconveniences to retired teachers,” the state said in a press release.

Thousands of teachers who are affiliated with the Local 37 of the National Education Workers’ Union began cancelling classes on Oct. 31. On Tuesday they were joined by members of the State Education Workers’ Union who also blocked the state tax collector’s office.

Also on Tuesday, Secretary of Education Miguel Angel Mendoza warned protesting teachers of having their pay docked for days not worked.

The state previously said a request was made to the Mexican government for extraordinary funds in order to alleviate the situation.

The Mexican government denied the request due to the end of the current presidential administration and lack of funds. A federal official said all budgeted funds have been appropriated and delivered to the state.

Transformemos Party Chair Mayra Flores questioned why the state lacked ordinary funds to make the payment.

The state said local authorities will continue requesting disbursement of federal funds to cover pensions and retirement checks.