SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — A large protest involving disgruntled teachers from Baja California has forced the closure of the northbound traffic lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The demonstration began around 3 p.m. Thursday and lasted for an hour.
Teachers have been upset with the Baja California government for not following through on a negotiated pay hike.
The teachers are also demanding retroactive wages and other benefits.
Last week, their union threatened to strike and not show up for the beginning of the school year scheduled to start on Monday.
The Baja California government said last week it was prepared to pay out 198 million pesos, or about $11 million, to the teachers by Aug. 15.
But Héctor Lara Ochoa, head of the teachers’ union, says the money has not been paid. Most of it is compensation for summer and performance bonuses owed to the teachers.
“They were supposed to have done this already. We’re still waiting on the money along with the pay raise,” he said.
Teachers had negotiated an 11% increase in pay and other compensation, according to Lara Ochoa.
The one-hour demonstration was peaceful, according to Tijuana Police, although it reported several shouting matches between the protesters and frustrated border commuters took place.
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