Catalonia is experiencing an ongoing large-scale conflict between teachers and the regional government, which has already led to widespread strikes and unrest in educational institutions. The dispute erupted after authorities attempted to resolve the situation through an agreement with two unions that do not represent the majority of education professionals. This move sparked discontent among teachers and increased pressure on the government, forcing it to look for new solutions to the crisis.
As reported by El Pais, opposition parties in the Catalan parliament are demanding an immediate return to negotiations with the main unions. They argue that the agreement reached does not represent the interests of most teachers and fails to address key issues such as working conditions, salary levels, and staffing. In response to the criticism, President Salvador Illa stated that the government is willing to take further steps to improve the situation, although no specific measures have been announced yet.
Agreement details
Last week, the authorities in Catalonia unexpectedly reached an agreement with the CC OO and UGT unions, providing for €2 billion in investments over four years. The document outlines a 30% increase in the regional allowance by 2029, compensation for night shifts during school trips, and a gradual reduction in the number of students per class in challenging schools. In addition, the plan includes extra resources for inclusive education and a reduction in the number of positions filled at the discretion of school management.
However, according to El Pais, most teachers and the largest unions see these measures as insufficient and unclear. They point to the lack of specifics regarding reduced workloads in secondary schools and the insufficient increase in staff to support inclusive education. Teachers also question the feasibility of the promised salary increases, noting that comparisons with other regions of Spain are inaccurate.
Reaction and protests
Immediately after the agreement was announced, a new wave of protests began in Catalonia. Teachers have taken to the streets across various regions, demanding changes and real improvements to working conditions. According to El Pais, one demonstration in Barcelona drew up to 25,000 people based on union figures and 8,000 according to police estimates. Strikes have continued for a third consecutive day, and by the end of the week, they are expected to spread throughout the autonomous community.
Opposition parties like Junts and CUP accuse the government of trying to solve the issue without considering the majority opinion of education workers. They stress that the measures proposed by the authorities will not have a tangible impact in the upcoming academic year, and that real change may only come in several years. Union representatives are also demanding open dialogue and greater transparency from the government in its decision-making process.
Government stance
Catalan authorities acknowledge that the situation in schools remains tense and requires a comprehensive approach. According to the presidential adviser Albert Dalmau, the government is prepared to continue dialogue with the teaching community and consider further improvements if the budget allows. He noted that the agreement includes reducing class sizes to 20 students, increasing funding for inclusive education, and raising salaries, which should make Catalan teachers among the country’s best-paid by 2029.
Nevertheless, representatives of major unions such as Ustec continue to insist on new negotiations. They believe the government must respond to widespread protests and show readiness for real change, rather than limiting itself to formal agreements with individual organizations. Strikes and new demonstrations are expected to continue across Catalonia in the coming days.
In recent years, Catalonia has repeatedly faced large-scale protests in the education sector. In 2022 and 2024, teachers took to the streets, demanding higher salaries and better working conditions. At the time, debates also arose over the allocation of budget funds and the involvement of unions in negotiations. According to an analysis by russpain.com, such conflicts often lead authorities to review policies and adjust educational programs, but the process of reaching agreements takes months or even years. As a result, the situation in the region’s schools remains one of the most talked-about topics in Spanish society.
