Barcelona is at the centre of a new strike by teachers across Catalonia, after a preliminary agreement proposed by the government was widely rejected. The action also includes Barcelona City Council staff, and it comes on the first day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Catalonia.
The strike is being organised by USTEC, CGT, Intersindical, CNT and COS. Protesters are due to march from Plaça d'Espanya to the gates of the Catalan Parliament in Ciutadella Park, with council workers set to march before the education sector demonstration.
The route will pass near Barcelona Cathedral, where the Pope is scheduled to lead a prayer as part of the start of his official agenda in Catalonia. Later in the evening, Pope Leo XIV is due to take part in a major event at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Organisers say the timing is intended to draw attention to their demands for better working conditions and stronger terms in any agreement. The unions involved have repeatedly called for improved conditions for their members, and this latest strike follows the rejection of the government’s offer.
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