The unions USTEC-STEs, ASPEPC-sps, CGT and Intersindical have called seven strike days in the educational centers of Barcelonés. The mobilization affects schools and institutes as well as nurseries for 0 to 3 year olds.
Two of these stops correspond specifically to early childhood education while the remaining five paralyze primary and secondary education. The schedule extends from May 7 to June 5 with increasing intensity in the final weeks.
The conflict worsens due to a rejected pact
The trigger for this new wave of protests is the outright rejection of the agreement reached between the government and the CCOO and UGT unions. The organizing bodies consider that this pact was signed behind the backs of the majority of teachers and demand the renegotiation of working conditions.
"With words we don't have enough" - Iolanda Segura, spokesperson for USTEC-STEs
The tension in the classrooms is reminiscent of the massive mobilizations registered during the month of March. Unions warn that without a dignified proposal that resolves their demands, this school year will not end normally in the region.
Five key dates will paralyze classes
The central days of the conflict for most teachers will be May 12, May 18, May 27, June 2, and June 5. These days coincide with two unified demonstrations planned for Tuesday, May 12, and Friday, June 5.
The workers of the bressol schools will have their own strike days on May 7 and May 20. In addition, on Wednesday, May 6, actions are planned in the centers, although their specific content has not yet been specified.
"To call off the strikes, an agreement would have to be reached" - Iolanda Segura, spokesperson for USTEC-STEs
The demands go beyond wages and include recovering the purchasing power lost during recent years. They also demand increasing educational investment to reduce student-to-classroom ratios and improve attention to diversity.
Another of the central demands is to eliminate the bureaucratic overload that burdens daily teaching work. The unions request a review of current curricula with the direct participation of teachers in the design of the content.
The uncertainty about the end of the academic year hangs over families and the educational administration. The unions' stance remains firm in the face of a lack of significant progress at the negotiating table.