Teachers set to strike March 16-20 after more than 40,000 reject deal

Teachers in Catalonia are set to go on strike from March 16 to 20 after more than 40,000 USTEC union members voted to reject the government's latest offer.

Teachers in different parts of Catalonia will strike on different days before a full strike on Friday, along with a demonstration in Barcelona.

In a vote organised by USTEC, Catalonia's largest teachers' union, 94.9% of the 42,965 teachers who participated voted against the deal reached between the Catalan Department of Education and the CCOO and UGT trade unions.

USTEC said the results give "overwhelming legitimacy" to the strike planned for March 16–20, and increase pressure on the Catalan government to reopen negotiations.

The union argues that the agreement, signed March 9, fails to adequately address key concerns including salaries, class sizes, inclusive education, curriculum demands and job security.

Despite the rejection by several unions, including USTEC, CGT and Intersindical, the Catalan government signed the agreement with CCOO and UGT, which includes a 30% increase in the regional salary supplement by 2029, a gradual reduction in class sizes, and nearly €300 million in additional funding for inclusive education. 

The package represents almost €2 billion in investment over four years, according to the Catalan government.

 

Catalan government spokesperson, Silvia Paneque, said authorities remain open to further dialogue with USTEC, but insisted union demands must be "realistic and financially viable."

The strike will follow a territorial schedule, with different parts of Catalonia striking on different days before culminating in a full walkout at the end of the week.

Strike schedule 

Monday, March 16: Primary and secondary schools in Baix Llobregat, Barcelona and Barcelonès.

Tuesday, March 17: Primary and secondary schools in Tarragona, Terres de l’Ebre and Penedès.

Wednesday, March 18: Primary and secondary schools in Lleida, the Pyrenees and Central Catalonia.

Thursday, March 19: Primary and secondary schools in Maresme, Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental and Girona.

Friday, March 20: Strike across Catalonia, accompanied by a large demonstration in Barcelona.

Ahead of the strike, a demonstration will also take place in Barcelona on March 14, starting at 10.30 am from Plaça de Correus square and marching to the Catalan Parliament located in Ciutadella Park.