A leading association representing families of public school students has publicly backed striking teachers across Catalonia, urging the Catalan government to negotiate "with real political will and concrete commitments." The Federated Associations of Students' Families of Catalonia (Affac) sent an open letter yesterday to Esther Niubó, the Minister for Education and Vocational Training. It highlighted the "systemic precariousness of public schools." Affac represents 2,400 associations from public schools and institutes.
In their letter, signed by director Jordi de Carreras, Affac stated that inclusive education is not a "future aspiration." They called it a "real right." A lack of resources and an insufficient model for co-teaching and diversity support leave this right unguaranteed. Mr de Carreras emphasised the broader reasons for the protests. He said, "Teachers are not only mobilising to defend their working conditions." He added that the street protests are not merely an issue of "public order."
Concerns Over Police Presence
Affac also raised serious concerns about the presence of the Catalan police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, in educational spaces. They criticised police involvement in assemblies linked to the mobilisations. Affac stated that "police presence in teacher assemblies is incompatible with a democratic conception of education." This sends a "deeply worrying message." It suggests that organising and defending rights could be seen as suspicious or punishable.
Shifting Strike Participation
This letter provides significant support for the unions driving the protests. These include Ustec, Professors de Secundària, CGT, and Intersindical. However, the protest movement shows signs of losing momentum compared to March. Participation in territorial strikes dropped from 32-38 percent in March to 18-21 percent in May. The region-wide strike in Catalonia saw 44 percent participation in March, falling to 35 percent last week.
Barcelona Area Protests
On Monday, unions called a strike for Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Badalona, Sant Adrià del Besòs, and Santa Coloma de Gramenet. This action saw 21 percent participation, down from 32 percent in March. A demonstration started at 12:00 in Jardinets de Gràcia. It ended in front of the Education Department on Via Augusta. Around 1,800 professionals attended the march, which occurred during heavy rain.
Earlier that day, teachers moved desks and chairs from La Sedeta school in Barcelona. They placed them in front of the Sagrada Familia, a major tourist attraction in the Eixample district. This action blocked tourist entry from 09:00 to 11:00. La Sedeta school teaches students about the political system through its "I Will Be President" project for Year 6 pupils. Students negotiate the investiture of a president and form a government. This provides them with a direct view of current political events.
Political Pressure and Negotiations
The main union, Ustec, has sent a letter to Members of the Catalan Parliament. It appealed to their conscience, asking them to link the Catalan government's budget to teachers' demands. Over the weekend, Ustec made the same request to ERC and Comuns. These parties are expected to support the budget. These parties, critical of the government's handling of the crisis, responded evasively. They suggested that resolving the conflict was unrelated to the budget. They also said that with a new budget, the government would have no excuses for not reaching an agreement.
Meanwhile, the Education Department has called unions to a sectorial meeting tomorrow, Wednesday. The department has promised to present a new proposal. Negotiators could discuss shortening the salary increase calendar, currently set for four years. They might also discuss the return of seniority payments (sexenios).
Upcoming Strike Schedule
Today, teachers in Maresme and Vallès Occidental and Oriental are called to strike. Concentrations are planned in Granollers and La Roca del Vallès. Tomorrow, educators for 0-3 year olds will strike. On Thursday, strikes will affect Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre. The next major action is scheduled for Wednesday, 27th May, with another region-wide strike across Catalonia. This ongoing series of protests highlights the persistent tensions between teachers and the Catalan government.
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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.
