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The government of Lower California wrongfully assigned 91.5 million pesos from federal funds to cover the wages of people working for the national union of education workers (SNTE) , instead of channelling it into activities of direct benefit to schools and teachers, as laid down by the contribution fund for basic education and teacher training (FAEB).

Teaching positions are for sale in Mexico, and have been for decades. Although seldom discussed, the practice—established by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) to reward party loyalists—is apparently widespread. The going price for a teaching position in a public primary school is reported to be between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on locale. Teachers who resign can either sell their positions or pass them on to their children. In at least some cases, local governments and the teachers' union supervise the buying and selling process. However, a recent reform effort—the "Alliance for Education Quality" (ACE)—signed by the government and the national teachers' union in May, would base new teacher appointments on merit, via an examination administered by an independent body. Not surprisingly, it has generated a vociferous response at the grass-roots level. Teachers have gone on strike in many states, marching on government offices, closing schools and blocking streets.

Many Mexicans blame the National Education Workers Union, which has created "a monstrous system of perks and patronage", including the selling of teaching positions.