In Catalonia, social educators work in a wide range of institutions: from schools and hospitals to libraries and nursing homes. Despite the importance of their work, they feel overlooked and undervalued. Their problems are only brought to light when high-profile incidents occur, as was the case recently with the child protection pedophilia scandal.
The professional community notes that the labor organization system in this field is highly fragmented. The existence of more than thirty different labor agreements leads to unequal conditions and pay. The average age of workers is only 35, indicating high staff turnover and early exits from the profession. One in five educators has to seek additional income to make ends meet, and more than a third admitted they would not choose this career again due to the lack of prospects.
The pay gap between public and private institutions reaches almost 29 percent. At the same time, the private sector provides most jobs, but pays less. Another serious issue is workplace violence and harassment. One in three has faced aggression or harassment, and nearly a third of workers have sought medical help due to stress or injuries.
Teachers also complain that people without specialized education often enter the profession, and the government is in no hurry to address this issue. The recent cut of 130 positions in public schools has only made the situation worse. Frequent staff turnover affects those who need support the most: trust is lost and the support process is disrupted.
Although the authorities have changed the name of the agency responsible for child protection, experts see no real change. In their view, the system still does not focus on prevention or working with families, meaning the problems will only continue to grow.
