The education strike enters a key week and the 27 May protest could still erupt in Catalonia

The Department of Education and the USTEC and CGT unions have taken a step towards an agreement. They have agreed an intensive schedule of meetings to unlock the dispute. The next strike, scheduled for 27 May, could be called off if there is progress. The education sector remains mobilised and demands wage and working improvements.

The confrontation between teachers and the Catalan administration is entering a decisive phase. The Department of Education and the USTEC and CGT unions have moved closer together after a key meeting this Wednesday, opening the door to a possible solution that could prevent further strikes in schools across Catalonia.

Both sides have agreed an intensive timetable of negotiations for the coming days, with the aim of unblocking the main points of disagreement. The plan provides for meetings on Thursday and Friday and, if necessary, continuation the following week. The unions propose addressing issues such as pay, inclusive schooling, staffing and bureaucracy separately, seeking concrete progress on each one.

The Government's proposal includes concentrating in three years, rather than four, the pay rise previously agreed with CCOO and UGT, as well as improving certain supplements and adding 2,405 new staff next academic year. Of these, 1,348 would go to inclusive schooling, 708 to reinforce staffing and 349 to administration and services staff.

Despite the progress, the unions consider the offer insufficient and maintain the strike call for 27 May, which would affect the whole Catalan education system. The Secondary Teachers' union, in fact, did not attend the meeting, considering that bringing payments forward does not amount to a real recovery of purchasing power.

The initial agreement with the minority unions provided for a 30% increase in the specific supplement over four years, which would mean around €3,000 more gross per year in 2029. Education now proposes reaching that figure in 2028, bringing the timetable forward. Improvements are also planned to tutorial supplements and recognition in pay of the co-tutor role, especially in schools of maximum complexity.

Meanwhile, nursery schools took to the streets this Wednesday in Barcelona and other Catalan cities. They demand wage improvements, professional recognition and decent working conditions, as well as ratios comparable with the European average. The mobilisations will continue until 5 June, with the major strike of 27 May in view.

The education dispute in Catalonia remains open, but the new negotiating timetable could mark a turning point if progress is made in the coming days.

The Generalitat's Department of Education manages the public network of educational centres in Catalonia, from early years to secondary education. In recent years, it has faced challenges such as inclusion, digitalisation and improving teachers' working conditions. Negotiations with unions are often complex, since they must balance the sector's demands with budgetary constraints. Social dialogue is key to avoiding prolonged disputes and ensuring stability in Catalan classrooms.

The new meeting timetable opens a real way to defuse the 27 May strike, although an agreement remains far off. This Wednesday's meeting between the Departament d’Educació and USTEC and CGT served to set intensive meetings for Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of extending them into the following week if there is still room for negotiation.