They Protest Increased Workload and Raise Concerns About Democracy and Security.

On Monday, the National Union of Educators (UNE) called on hundreds of Ecuadorian teachers to march in Quito and demand the protection of their labor rights, funding for public education, and security guarantees.

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The demonstrators oppose Ministerial Agreement 045A, which increases the workload beyond the 40-hour workweek by requiring teachers to work on Saturdays.

The ministerial decision disregards acquired rights and shifts responsibility to educators for addressing structural deficiencies left unresolved by the state, including a lack of funding and personnel.

“In the absence of infrastructure, sports coaches or educational psychologists, the easiest thing for the government to do is tell us to work Saturdays,” one teacher said, warning about the high levels of violence in schools associated with drug trafficking networks.

Teachers also denounced President Daniel Noboa’s erosion of democracy and institutions. More specifically, they expressed concern about the lack of independence among branches of government and the recent suspension of opposition political organizations ahead of the November subnational elections.

#Movilización | Cientos de profesores nos movilizamos mientras se desarrollaba la audiencia pública por la demanda de inconstitucionalidad del Acuerdo Ministerial 00045-A. Esta jornada reafirma que la defensa de la educación pública se sostiene con argumentos, organización y… pic.twitter.com/JYSDjeaMeA

— Andrés Quishpe (@VAndresQuishpe) July 21, 2026

The text reads, “Hundreds of teachers mobilized during the public hearing on the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Ministerial Agreement 00045-A. This day reaffirms that the defense of public education is sustained by arguments, organization, and mobilization. We will continue to monitor the Constitutional Court’s ruling and maintain our fight for quality public education and for the rights of those who make it possible. Education must be defended!”

In that regard, the Electoral Disputes Tribunal (TCE) suspended the Amigo Movement for nine months following a complaint filed by the Attorney General’s Office alleging money laundering. The decision prevents the leftist Citizen Revolution, the country’s largest political force, which had already been suspended, from using that movement’s endorsement to participate in the November elections.

“They have just eliminated some political parties that could have participated in the elections. That shows Noboa is doing whatever he wants with the justice system. He is controlling the branches of government as he pleases,” Veronica said during the march.

“We are living under a dictatorship. Security and education are in bad shape. In public institutions, it is very sad to see how so many students do not receive a good education,” she added.

The teachers’ march concluded at the Constitutional Court, where UNE leaders filed a constitutional challenge against Ministerial Agreement 045A.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: teleSUR – UNE

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