This conflict, which initially arose over bureaucracy and infrastructure issues, has escalated into a full-blown standoff between the teaching collective and the Generalitat. Families are divided on the situation, and the 2nd Baccalaureate exam schedule is one of the most critical points.
“"Outrageous and derisory."
A last-minute attempt to halt the strike at the Sectoral Table last Thursday failed. The convening unions, including STEPV, CCOO, UGT, and CSIF, with the support of ANPE, rejected the education minister's economic proposal, which involved a progressive increase of 75 euros per month until 2029. The unions described the proposal as «outrageous and derisory», noting that Valencian teachers have the lowest regional salaries in Spain, frozen for 16 years.
However, the economic issue is only part of the problem. The conflict also focuses on reducing classroom ratios, improving pending school infrastructure, and protecting and promoting the Valencian language in the education system.
The unions have planned a strategy of increasing pressure for this week. Actions include informational pickets and demonstrations in València, Alicante, Castelló, and Elx on Monday the 11th; poster pasting and overnight sit-ins on Tuesday the 12th; concentrations in front of the Palau de la Generalitat and territorial delegations on Wednesday the 13th; protests in front of the Ministry of Education on Thursday the 14th; and a large unified demonstration that will march through the center of València from Plaza de San Agustín on Friday the 15th.
The point of greatest social friction is 2nd Baccalaureate, given the proximity of the EBAU. The Ministry has decreed strict minimum services to guarantee evaluations, with the minister stating in a letter to families that «No student can be a hostage to a union conflict».
“"No student can be a hostage to a union conflict."
The unions, however, have taken these minimum services to the High Court of Justice of the Comunitat Valenciana (TSJCV), deeming them «abusive» and seeking a precautionary measure to halt them. They argue that the ambiguity of the Generalitat's resolution creates unnecessary concern among teachers. Families are also divided, with some associations supporting the strike and others warning of the negative impact on student performance.
