Nursery school educators and staff protested through central Barcelona on 24 March 2026, as part of a strike in the early education sector. The demonstration, which started at Jardinets de Gràcia, aimed to reach the Spanish government delegation's headquarters in the city.
Protesters chanted slogans such as "No to precarisation" and "0-3 exists", referring to the 0-3 age group in early childhood education. Gina Rius, spokesperson for Plataforma 0-3, outlined the main demands: a reduction in the number of pupils per classroom and more resources to care for children. Rius accused administrations of "passing the buck" and called on the Generalitat to provide more funding.
Demands for Government Action
Rius stated that the state education law, LOMLOE, allows for changes to pupil numbers, urging the Spanish government to act. She also called on local councils, which manage most public nursery schools in Catalonia, and regional communities to take responsibility and provide sufficient resources. This, she said, would ensure staff "can live with dignity" and create "dignified" conditions for both professionals and children.
The spokesperson criticised Education Minister Esther Niubó for not addressing the 0-3 age group. Rius urged Niubó to "start fighting" for real improvements in this educational stage. "Funding is essential and must come from the Generalitat," Rius explained. "We are tired of being under an umbrella with five management models that only precarise workers and children."
Improving Working Conditions and Recognition
The collective also demands dignified salaries, equal working conditions, and improvements in occupational health and professional recognition. These calls highlight a broader push for systemic changes to support early childhood education across Catalonia.
Moving forward, the protesters hope their actions will pressure both the Catalan and Spanish governments to address their concerns. Future steps could include further negotiations with education authorities and continued public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of early childhood education funding and support.
