Nearly 500 schools and institutes across Catalonia, about one in five public centres, had agreed by 28 March not to organise school trips or residential camps in the 2026–27 academic year, according to Cadena SER.

The teacher-led action is intended to pressure Catalonia's Department of Education to reopen negotiations on teachers' pay and working conditions. For pupils and families at participating schools, it could mean no excursions or overnight camps next year. Fundesplai reports a 70% fall in reservations and says more than 300 jobs are at risk if demand does not recover.

Parents seeking confirmation of their school's plans should ask the school directly. Under the original manifesto, joining the initiative requires a staff vote and majority support.

Teachers seek changes to pay, workloads and support

The campaign began with the Maresme-La Selva Teachers' Assembly and initially had support from 39 public schools and institutes, Ara reported on 24 February.

Teachers backing the manifesto are seeking:

  • a general pay rise to bring Catalan teachers' conditions into line with those elsewhere in Spain;
  • smaller class sizes;
  • more investment in inclusive education; and
  • less administrative work in schools and institutes.

The organisers argue that trips and camps depend on staff taking on responsibilities beyond normal school hours, particularly when pupils stay overnight.

Alt Penedès centres push for immediate restrictions

In Alt Penedès, schools and institutes have called for the measure to take effect during the current academic year, Cadena SER reported. The large majority of centres in the comarca have agreed not to hold activities that are not strictly curricular, including Sant Jordi and end-of-year celebrations, graduations, trips and camps.

Anna Garriga, a teacher at Institut Milà i Fontanals in Vilafranca del Penedès, said staff wanted the public to recognise the additional work they undertake.

“We want society to see what our role is, what is our responsibility and what is not. Our work has been greatly devalued. We need to regain our dignity.”

Leisure-sector employers warn of job losses

The consequences extend beyond schools. ACELLEC, the employers' association representing most leisure-sector companies, has warned that the campaign puts the work of thousands of professionals at risk, including activity monitors and staff at residential camp centres.

Pep Montes, ACELLEC's manager, asked teachers to reconsider the strategy, saying the sector could be an ally in their demands rather than a target of the campaign.

Fundesplai says its reservations have fallen by 70% because of teachers' refusal to join school trips, placing more than 300 jobs in danger.

Reported by Source Text Link, Diana Silva, Laura Lezama, Soledad Domínguez,Gemma Alegrí, Helena López, Redacción, russpain.com, comunicatur, CatalunyaPress.cat, CatalunyaPress.es, Carla Pérez Brichs, Ricardo Rubio.