Catalonia’s Education and Vocational Training Department is studying regulatory measures to give teachers additional legal protection when they accompany pupils on school outings and overnight educational trips, according to Councillor Esther Niubó.
The proposal is intended to reverse a boycott supported by more than 1,300 public schools during the current academic year. For pupils and families at those schools, the dispute could mean that cultural day visits and trips involving overnight stays are not organised.
“It is a measure that I do not agree with at all,” Niubó said of the boycott, adding that cancelling trips harms pupils, particularly those most vulnerable and those attending public schools.
Payment and time off already agreed
VilaWeb reported that Niubó made the comments to the EFE news agency. She referred to agreements reached with the CCOO and UGT trade unions, and the Secondary Teachers union, last spring.
- Teachers accompanying pupils on overnight trips are to receive €50 for each night away.
- Teachers are to receive time off during the school year to make up for additional hours worked on trips.
- Schools organise the outings, while teachers’ participation remains voluntary.
Niubó said the department is working on a regulatory solution for legal protection, while not ruling out faster alternatives. The Catalan Government’s education department will discuss the issue with unions and has also been speaking with the children’s leisure sector, which it says has been affected by cancelled outings.
What schools and families can expect
No legal measure or timetable has yet been specified. Families whose children have a planned outing or residential trip should check directly with their school, as each school is responsible for organising activities and staff take part voluntarily.
Reported by vilaweb.cat, VilaWeb Feed.
