Protests by concerted education have marked the educational news in Alicante this week, following the temporary suspension of the public education teachers' strike. The educators are demanding "celerity" from the administration to address their demands, primarily a "dignified" agreement on partial retirement, a long-standing demand in the sector.
In recent meetings, the department led by Carmen Ortí offered to finance 1,250 additional hours for partial retirement, compared to the initial 950. However, the majority union, FSIE-CV, considers the proposal insufficient, as it would exclude around 20% of colleagues who meet the requirements.
Other pending demands include improving staffing in special education and Vocational Training (FP), reducing teaching load, salary improvements for administrative and service personnel, recognition of seniority increments (sexenios), and reinforcing resources for educational inclusion.
The general secretary of FSIE, Vicente Cabanes, has appealed to the Consell to address the demands of an education system where "29% of the student body of the Valencian Community" is enrolled, and has stressed the need for an agreement before the end of the academic year.
As part of the mobilizations, simultaneous rallies have been held in Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón, adding to the strike days called this month. Union representatives have also gathered in front of the Corts Valencianes.
