The day was marked by informational pickets and demonstrations in cities such as Alicante, Elche, Valencia, and Castelló de la Plana. This protest affects public schools from Infant Education to Baccalaureate, involving approximately 78,000 teachers and over 800,000 students across the Valencian Community.

According to data from the Ministry of Education, strike participation reached 47.01% by 13:00 hours, almost doubling the initial morning estimate. By province, Valencia registered the highest support with 49.1%, followed by Alicante with 46.15%, and Castellón with 42.6%.

The convening unions, including STEPV, CCOO, UGT, and CSIF, with the support of ANPE, argue that the strike is experiencing “massive” participation and speak of a “historic and unprecedented” mobilization in Valencian public education. They demand “real and effective” negotiation from the Ministry.

The strike comes after months of negotiation without agreement. Union demands focus on six key points: recovery of purchasing power, improvement of educational infrastructure, reduction of student-teacher ratios, less bureaucracy, restoration of cut staff, and repeal of the educational freedom law.

Last week, the Ministry proposed a progressive increase of 75 gross euros per month until 2029, with approximate annual increments of 25 euros. Unions consider this proposal insufficient and criticize the lack of response to other demands.

One of the main points of friction is the minimum services set by the Ministry, especially concerning teachers linked to university entrance exams. Unions have appealed the resolution to the High Court of Justice, considering them abusive and generating uncertainty among teachers.

The Ministry has defended the need to guarantee student care and has appealed to the responsibility of teachers. Unions, however, insist that the situation in many centers is critical and demand a comprehensive proposal that addresses all raised demands.