Teachers’ union USTEC will maintain its strike for Tuesday 8 September, the first day of the 2026–27 academic year in Catalan schools and institutes, according to ACN. The stoppage could affect the opening day for pupils, families and school staff if no agreement is reached before classes begin.
USTEC spokesperson Iolanda Segura said the union has not resumed negotiations with the Department of Education, the Catalan government department responsible for schools. Families should check directly with their school for arrangements on the first day of term.
In a RAC1 interview reported by Ara, Segura said the time available to call off the stoppage was limited.
“We had a meeting with the Education minister at the beginning of July and we have not heard anything since.”
Union seeks talks on staffing, inclusion and Catalan
USTEC says it wants negotiations on structural measures rather than partial agreements. Its stated priorities include:
- more resources for inclusive education;
- lower pupil-to-teacher ratios; and
- stronger protection for the Catalan language in schools.
The union has also called for a timetable for reforms, citing classroom temperatures that it says can reach 42C.
Ara reported that teachers rejected a preliminary agreement between the Department of Education and the sector’s majority unions in early June. USTEC did not join that agreement after it was rejected in a teachers’ vote.
ACN reported on 24 August that USTEC had urged the department to begin talks to avoid further stoppages. The strike remains scheduled for Tuesday 8 September.
Reported by russpain.com, Diana Silva, ACN, Alberto Navarro, Diana Silva, Natàlia Vila.
