Teachers across Catalonia have rejected a preliminary agreement on pay and working conditions, with 65.1% voting against the proposal. The result, announced on 8 June 2026, shows strong support for deeper changes in the education system, according to Vilaweb.
The vote means many teachers want more than a salary increase. Their demands include better support for children aged 0 to 3, more staff for pupils with special educational needs, smaller class sizes, more time for lesson planning, and less bureaucracy.
The CGT union said, “A small pay rise will not solve the educational crisis.” Teachers also say their aim is to improve conditions for students and staff, not to oppose families. For background on education coverage in Catalonia, see our news tag page.
Some families have questioned why teachers are asking for more money, but teachers argue that the issue is about dignity in education and the attention children receive in class. They say current conditions can make it hard to notice when a pupil is unwell, especially in crowded classrooms and during hot weather.
The article also notes that recent strikes have brought some small improvements, although this has caused disagreement within schools. Teachers who voted yes and those who voted no have both taken part in protests, and the report says confusion over strike plans added to tensions during the vote.
Teachers say they are acting because they see education as central to society and to free thought. They acknowledge that strikes affect families, drivers and children, but say the long-term aim is a more dignified education system in Catalonia.