On 14 March 2025, in Comitan de Dominguez, Chiapas, approximately 300 teachers from the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE), part of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) intercepted the president Claudia Sheinbaum when she was traveling to the inauguration of the Rosario Castellanas National University, to demand a meeting to discuss the reform of the law governing the Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE).

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 14, 2025, approximately 300 teachers from the education union (SNTE/CNTE) conducted peaceful protests in Comitán, Chiapas, Mexico, blocking President Claudia Sheinbaum's route to a university opening ceremony. They demanded a meeting with the president to discuss legal reforms related to the National Social Security Institute for Public Employees (ISSSTE). This is assessed as a low-intensity risk, one-time event.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Limited traffic disruption: Temporary blockade of presidential route may cause localized traffic delays, but direct impact on major logistics routes is minimal
• Chiapas operational stability: Social tensions in Chiapas, a major agricultural region in southern Mexico, require indirect monitoring for production and distribution of agricultural products including coffee, cocoa, and corn
• Potential labor risk spread: If education sector union protests expand to other public sectors, potential impact on logistics and manufacturing operations across Mexico
• Guatemala border region: Chiapas serves as a Central American logistics connection point at the Guatemala border; increased regional social instability requires monitoring of cross-border logistics flows

3. Watch points

• Union activity expansion: Track SNTE/CNTE's follow-up protest plans and potential spread to other regions and sectors
• Government response and negotiation progress: Monitor changes in the Sheinbaum government's position on ISSSTE reforms and negotiation outcomes with unions, and their impact on future labor stability