The mobilization by the Sindicat de Treballadores i Treballadors del País Valencià (STEPV) comes in response to statements from the regional Secretary for Education, Daniel McEvoy, who indicated the department's willingness to resume talks with union spokespersons. The union, which holds the majority in the education sector, seeks to make it clear that they are «prepared to negotiate».
“"The movement for public education in the Valencian Community is making history, and the teaching staff is an example. The biggest victims of this government's privatization and cutback policies are public school students."
The indefinite strike in non-university public education in the Valencian Community began on Monday, spearheaded by several unions including STEPV, CSIF, CCOO, and UGT, with support from ANPE. While the Ministry of Education reported a 50.12% turnout on the first day and 35.55% on the second, the unions claimed higher figures of 90% and 75% respectively.
The indefinite stoppage aims for «real negotiation» on several key demands. These include a salary increase, improvement of educational infrastructure, reduction of student-to-teacher ratios, simplification of bureaucracy, and the promotion of the Valencian language.
Furthermore, the Sindicat d'Estudiants del País Valencià has called for a student strike on Friday, May 15. This will coincide with a «large unified demonstration» in València, serving as the culmination of the first week of the indefinite strike. The youth organization criticizes the government's «privatization and cutback policies,» highlighting that students are the primary victims of a situation involving dilapidated centers, pests, temporary classrooms, lack of climate control, and impossible ratios.
