Unions Seek Mandate for Further Industrial Action

Education unions across Catalonia are asking teaching staff to indicate their support for a new cycle of strike action, with a survey open until Friday 23rd October at 12 noon. The ballot, sent via email under the subject line 'Consulta Unitaria', invites all members of the educational community to respond individually after discussions in schools and faculty meetings. The initiative comes from Ustec, CGT, Intersindical, COS, CNT, and the Assemblea Educativa de Catalunya (AEC), who are seeking clarity on how to proceed after joining the 11 November general strike. This follows previous industrial action on the first day of the 2026/27 school year, which the unions say failed to yield progress in negotiations with the Catalan government.

Four Options for Strike Action

The survey presents teachers with three questions: whether they are willing to strike if called; whether they would join a mobilisation involving families and students; and which of four strike proposals they consider most appropriate. The options are:

  • One day of strike across Catalonia
  • Two days per person: one territorial, one regional
  • Three days per person: one territorial, two regional
  • Four days per person: two territorial, two regional

This structure allows for both local and region-wide action, potentially increasing pressure on the Government of Salvador Illa ahead of the November 11th general strike.

Core Demands Remain Unmet

They haven't made a scheduling proposal for these meetings where we can negotiate [.], therefore, we invite the entire collective to join the strike.

The unions continue to demand reduced student-teacher ratios, increased funding for inclusive education, lower administrative burdens, and improved salary conditions. They also call for educational funding to reach 6% of GDP and for greater protection of Catalan as a vehicular language in schools. Union representatives, including Ustec spokesperson Iolanda Segura, have criticised the lack of substantive negotiation with Education Minister Esther Niubó, rejecting what they describe as a superficial debate within the Consell d'Educació de Catalunya. Teachers can access the survey through the email link and must submit their response by 12:00 on Friday 23rd October. The results will inform the next phase of union strategy in the ongoing dispute over public education policy.

Primary sources: treball.gencat.cat. Reported by 20minutos.es, elDiario.es Catalunya, ARA, elnacional.cat, 20 Minutos Barcelona.