Teachers in Catalonia are refusing to participate in unpaid extracurricular activities, including school trips, excursions, and parties, as a new form of protest against working for free outside regular hours. This action has led to accusations that public media outlets, such as TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio, are biased in their coverage, focusing on the impact on families and businesses rather than the teachers' grievances.
The protests come amid a broader crisis in the teaching profession across Western countries, according to a VilaWeb report. Teachers feel burdened by new responsibilities, including acting as psychologists, leisure monitors, and IT experts, while the core task of knowledge transmission takes a secondary role. They also report a lack of resources to address increasing student diversity and mental health issues, alongside excessive bureaucracy.
Government Response and Media Scrutiny
Salvador Illa's government has reacted to the teachers' actions, with public media outlets reportedly mobilised. Weeks ago, TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio extensively covered an 'education pact' signed by only two minor unions, according to VilaWeb. More recently, news reports have focused on the negative impact of the protests on 'innocent' parties, suggesting that teachers are threatening holiday camps and bus companies.
A prominent public radio presenter reportedly stated in an editorial that "complicating life for families is not usually the best way", implying schools are merely childcare facilities. On Tuesday, TV3's Els matins programme covered a protest by students at a Valls institute demanding the return of parties and excursions, while support statements for teachers received little airtime.
Questionable Interviews and Police Presence
The following day, Televisión Española's Cafè d’idees interviewed a student representative from the Tarragona territorial school council about the protests. The student claimed, "We have teachers who are currently emotionally affecting students" by not organising a party. However, social media later revealed the student was the first secretary of the Socialist Youth in Valls, raising questions about the impartiality of the interview.
Adding to the controversy, Mossos d'Esquadra officers have been sent to some educational centres. VilaWeb questions the necessity of police presence, asking what conflicts in Catalan schools would require such action, and why public media has not reported on them. Education Minister Esther Niubó stated there is "no problem of coexistence or security", but then referred to a "complex reality in society", using what VilaWeb describes as euphemisms to obscure the truth.
Broader Implications
The government is reportedly concerned about the potential electoral consequences of alienating the teaching profession, sensing a significant crisis. VilaWeb notes that a similar authoritarian approach to controlling media was a factor in the downfall of ERC. The author of the VilaWeb report indicated they have communicated this new protest method to their union representatives, suggesting it could be adopted more widely.
