Striking teachers turn violent in Mexico

(Vatican Radio) Striking teachers in the South West of Mexico, have attacked offices of political parties and a State education building, as tension anger, fear and frustration about radical government reforms boil over.

Computers, desks and chairs hurled from shattered windows, papers burned, bonfires started, threatening graffiti sprayed on walls. This is the handiwork not homework, of rioting teachers in Chilpancinco – the State Capitol of Guerrero. The offices of the three main political parties were attacked and trashed, as was the State Education complex.

Officials estimate the masked mob numbered more than four thousand, vastly outnumbering the 400 strong local Police Force.

The teachers' industrial action started on February 25th. Since then, they've caused chaos, by blocking the Acapulco to Mexico City highway. But this incident shows considerable escalation .

Teaching in Mexico has an unenviable reputation of jobs being passed down in families, or sold to the highest bidder. The Government of President Enrique Peña Nieto has jailed a major teaching union leader on corruption charges and passed laws to radically overhaul an obsolete system, with strict and regular performance assessment.

The unions are accusing the Government of blotting the education copybook and of preparing for mass privatization.

The situation is rapidly shaping up into a major trial of strength and a showdown between the government and the unions.

Listen to James Blears, reporting from Mexico: