Tension between Mexican government and teacher's union leads to violence

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Riot policemen arrest a teacher during a protest against the education reform in Mexico City on November 26, 2013. President Enrique Pena Nieto pushed through Congress changes to the constitution in order to require teachers to undergo mandatory performance appraisals. AFP PHOTO / Yuri CORTEZ (Photo credit should read YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Violent clashes broke out over the weekend in Southern Mexico between the police and members of the teachers’ union and protests have continued into this week.

In Oaxaca, Mexico, at least a half dozen people died and more than 100 were injured after a clash between police and a teacher's union 0n Sunday.

The violence centered around education reforms brought on by President Enrique Pena Nieto. Both sides are blaming each other with the future of Mexico's beleaguered public school system left hanging in the balance.

Freelance journalist James Fredrick who is based in Mexico City, spoke to host A Martinez about the latest news in the conflict, the history of the tensions between teacher's unions and the government and more.

To hear the full segment, click the blue play button above.