The educational situation in Marina Alta reached a critical point this Thursday, with protests in numerous educational centers across the region. Teachers demonstrated in courtyards and at entrances to demand better working conditions and an end to classroom overcrowding. This mobilization coincided with a meeting in Valencia between representatives of the ministry and unions, which concluded without an agreement.
The Generalitat's decision to postpone the proposal for improving teachers' salaries until autumn has provoked outrage among trade unions. As a result, schools in Marina Alta are now on the brink of an indefinite strike that could begin in May, potentially causing chaos at the end of the school year.
Our patience has run out.
Given this tense situation, the ministry has called a new meeting for next Monday, which will be attended by Minister Carmen Ortí and autonomous secretary Daniel McEvoy. Their absence from this Thursday's meeting, where they chose to attend the Santa Faz pilgrimage, and the sole presence of the Director General of Personnel, Pablo Ortega, has further increased teachers' discontent. Unions UGT, CCOO, and STPVE have expressed skepticism about the upcoming meeting and warn that the likelihood of an indefinite strike has multiplied.
Union representatives have criticized Ortega for stating that salaries cannot be negotiated until budgets are modified in autumn, and for refusing to show the three salary improvement proposals the ministry is considering. In addition to salary increases—as Valencian teachers are the lowest paid in the country and have experienced 20 years of purchasing power loss—teachers also demand reduced ratios, improved facilities to adapt to climate change, reduced bureaucracy, and the protection of the Valencian language.
