The strike, affecting students from Infant Education to Baccalaureate, is proceeding with established minimum services, and according to unions, no incidents have been reported. The Department detailed the turnout by province: 23.74% in Alicante, 22.57% in Castellón, and 25.13% in Valencia, and announced that more information would be provided at noon.
Meanwhile, a union indicated that the data received early this morning suggests «very high participation», with some centers reporting 100% adherence. This union stated that if the Department responds with these early figures, the actual numbers could be three or four times higher, as the mobilization is massive.
“"If we understand that there is an intention on the part of the unions to sit at the table, we would consider holding a meeting as soon as possible."
Around 78,000 teachers are called to this strike, convened by several unions with the support of other organizations. Their demands include reducing student-teacher ratios, improving infrastructure, increasing staff, and recovering purchasing power, which they consider to be «at the bottom» nationwide in Spain.
The strike is supported by families, grouped in various confederations, and the Student Union. It began with pickets at Secondary schools and colleges early in the morning, and its culmination will be the demonstrations called for noon in Alicante, Castellón, Valencia, and Elche.
The Minister of Education stated in declarations to public television that her department has developed different strategies to address the strike depending on its duration. She emphasized that her area is working to handle the situation «with responsibility and seriousness», and added that her will has always been to reach agreements, with open channels for dialogue. The next negotiation table between both parties is scheduled for June 9.
Furthermore, the minister criticized the «availability» some union leaders have to attend other events, referring to a union spokesperson who attended a political party event. She expressed her wish that the same attitude be transferred to negotiations, as what is at stake is very important and the spokesperson should reconsider their dialogue stance towards the Department.
