The education dispute in Catalonia has escalated dramatically once again. Just days after the regional government and several teachers’ unions unveiled what was described as a historic compromise, teachers themselves have overwhelmingly rejected the agreement. As a result, schools across the region now face the prospect of a new wave of strikes and classroom disruption.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The package, which was hailed by the government as a breakthrough, included investments of around €700 million. The centrepiece of the proposal was significant pay rises for teachers, as well as thousands of new jobs in the education sector. Nevertheless, a clear majority of teachers voted against the agreement.
Clear rejection in the vote
According to the unions involved, 39,502 teachers voted against the agreement. Only 21,184 supported the proposal. Voter turnout stood at 61.1%, with more than 60,000 teachers taking part in the ballot. In total, around 99,000 employees were eligible to vote.
In particular, the unions CGT and Intersindical had strongly campaigned for a rejection ahead of the vote. They argue that the proposed improvements did not go far enough and that key demands of the strike movement had been left unaddressed.
Up to €400 more in salary – still no approval
The regional government had made significant concessions. The agreement provided for teachers to receive gradual monthly pay increases of up to around €400 over the next four years. It also included a new education allowance of approximately €172 per month. In addition, there are already agreed regional salary supplements of around €210, along with further adjustments within the public sector.
According to calculations by various Catalan media outlets, many teachers could have seen total gross salary increases of around €600 per month by 2029.
But this is precisely one of the reasons behind the opposition. Many teachers criticise the fact that the pay rises would not take effect immediately, but would instead be spread over several years. In addition, a significant number of staff consider the measures to be an insufficient response to the rising cost of living in recent years.
Thousands of new jobs promised
In addition to the pay improvements, the government had also announced a major staffing expansion. More than 6,400 new positions for teachers, special education staff, social workers, and other support personnel were expected to be created in the coming years. Over 1,000 additional posts were already planned for the next school year.
The government argues that this would both reduce workload pressures and improve the quality of teaching. Critics, however, counter that the measures come too late and that staffing shortages in many schools are already acute.
Weeks of protests have shaken Catalonia
The conflict has been simmering for weeks. Since early May, there have been repeated large-scale strike actions, demonstrations, and blockades.
Particularly striking was a protest in Barcelona, where striking teachers blocked access to the world-famous Sagrada Família basilica. Visitors were temporarily unable to enter the landmark, and tickets had to be refunded.
Key transport links were also blocked. Protesters temporarily paralysed roads and railway lines, underlining the determination of the movement. Trade unions reported exceptionally high participation in the demonstrations.
Government under pressure
For the government of Salvador Illa, the result of the vote represents a major setback. The regional administration had hoped to end one of the biggest education conflicts of recent years with the multi-billion-euro package.
Instead, the administration now once again faces difficult negotiations. Observers expect that strikes could resume within the coming days. Further classroom disruptions and new protest actions are considered likely.
Families and students look ahead to the summer with concern
For parents and pupils, the escalation primarily means uncertainty. The previous industrial action has already led to widespread classroom disruption in many areas. If no agreement is reached, the conflict could continue into the next school year. Several education experts in Catalonia are already warning of a “hot autumn in education” if the government and unions fail to reach a new compromise.
What is clear is that, despite a multi-million-euro offer and significant pay improvements, the conflict is far from over. Positions between the government and parts of the teaching workforce remain entrenched – and Catalonia’s schools are once again facing unsettled weeks ahead.
