Barcelona was the focus of a new teachers’ protest on Tuesday, as unions marched through the city to demand stronger support for public education from the Catalan government. The demonstration began at 11:30am at Jardinets de Gràcia and ended at Plaça de Catalunya, where speeches were held.
The mobilisation was organised by USTEC, CGT, Intersindical, CNT and COS under the slogan, “Let’s stop the social and educational emergency”. The unions said they want a change in public education and are urging the PSC government to show a firmer commitment to teaching.
The protest follows a strike and demonstration earlier in the week, and came ten days after teachers rejected a pre-agreement between the Department of Education and unions CCOO, UGT, USTEC and Professors de Secundària. The rejection was described by the unions as a clear sign of dissatisfaction with the current direction of talks.
An educational assembly is scheduled for 20 June to begin preparing for what the unions call a “hot autumn” in schools. They say this is happening after repeated complaints about a lack of negotiation with the government and continued pressure over working conditions.
Separately, the Revolució del 0-3 Catalunya platform has called a strike for 18 June. The group says it wants better working conditions and greater recognition for early childhood education professionals, and has highlighted the lack of resources and precariousness it says affects the sector. More Catalonia news
For official context, readers can also follow the Department of Education and the Generalitat de Catalunya.
