Why have teachers in Acapulco, Mexico, been on strike for over three weeks?

Not only is this a good starter question to challenge your students- especially since the story hasn’t really made it into the headlines in this country- but it also has the potential to be a useful case study for development economics. Read on to find out the answer.

Essentially, then, the reason for this teacher’s strike isn’t the usual sort of story. The teachers are on strike because they have been issued with an ultimatum by local drug cartels to hand over 50% of their salaries ‘or else’- and this is no empty threat, business that refuse to pay ‘protection money’ tend not to be left standing too long. This video explains the situation very clearly (if you can excuse the very excited presenter on Fox news).