Major education unions in Catalonia started a series of strikes on 7 May, with further action planned until 5 June. Speaking in front of the Education Consortium, union representatives stressed their desire to restart negotiations for better conditions for workers and improved classroom support.
Iolanda Segura, spokesperson for USTEC, said the strikes would only stop if an agreement is reached. She welcomed comments from Education Minister Esther Niubó, who expressed a wish for unions and the government to return to the negotiating table. "We hope the minister calls us as soon as possible," Segura added.
Broader Community Involvement
Ingrid Chavarria, general secretary of CGT Ensenyament, said the strike call extends beyond teachers to the entire education community. "Not only teachers suffer the grievances, but all groups working in the centres," Chavarria stated. This includes leisure staff and administrative and service personnel (PAS), among others. "We need to save public education," she said.
Andreu Navarra, spokesperson for Professors de Secundària (ASPEPC-sps), emphasised the need for fair agreements that improve classroom conditions and teacher salaries. Navarra criticised the government's current proposal, calling it a "ridiculous increase." He added, "It is laughable that teachers' salaries go up by €40."
Local Actions Across Catalonia
Educational centres across Catalonia have also started various protest actions. In Sant Andreu, Barcelona, the Martí i Pous Institute held classes in the street, complete with performances and speeches. In Sants, six schools organised a road blockade at 13:00 in front of the district headquarters.
The unions are maintaining pressure on the government to address their demands, which include better working conditions, increased staffing, and improved pay. The series of strikes is set to continue, with further dates scheduled throughout May and into early June, unless a satisfactory agreement is reached.
