Teachers, families march in Barcelona for public education pact, warn of autumn strikes
Thousands of teachers, families and students took to the streets of Barcelona on Sunday in the final protest of a school year marked by 23 strike days, demanding a 'great pact' for public education and a doubling of funding to 6% of GDP.
A school year of discontent
Catalonia's education system has been rocked by 23 days of strikes since February, with four consecutive weeks of stoppages in May and June. The unrest erupted on 11 February when a mass walkout emptied classrooms and caught the government off guard. Teachers said the inclusive education model, introduced without enough staff and resources, had pushed the system to breaking point. While union leaders initially prioritised wage rises, classroom teachers demanded more support staff to handle pupils with learning disorders.
The march in Barcelona
On Sunday, the unions organised a final demonstration of the academic year, joined by families and students. Marchers gathered in Jardinets de Gràcia shortly after midday and walked to Plaça Catalunya. Organisers claimed 25,000 participants; Barcelona's Guàrdia Urbana put the figure at 7,000. Chants included 'Niubó dimissió' — calling for the resignation of education councillor Esther Niubó — and 'Paremos la emergencia social y educativa'.
- Mass strike empties classrooms, shocks regional government
- Unions hold the last school strike of the academic year
- Thousands march in Barcelona demanding a public education pact
Demands and the funding gap
Protesters demanded a 'great pact' for public education, with more investment to lift funding from the current 3% of GDP to the 6% mandated by law. The call comes as unions say the 2009 education law has failed and structural reform is overdue.
Education has hit rock bottom.
- Current funding (2026)
- 3 % of GDP
- Legal target
- 6 % of GDP
Failed pacts and a divided movement
The Catalan government struck a deal with minority unions CC OO and UGT in March, pledging €2 billion over four years for salary rises and staffing. The pact was rejected by most teachers, and strikes continued. A second deal, this time including the majority unions, also failed to gain teacher approval — 65% voted against it in a consultation two weeks ago. The vote exposed a disconnect between union leadership and classroom teachers.
Threat of autumn unrest
Union leaders warned the new school year would start with fresh walkouts unless the government opens serious negotiations.
Ustec said it was ready to negotiate all summer. The associations of families, led by aFFaC president Jordi de Carreras, insisted they must be part of any talks.If agreements are not reached, we will meet again in the streets in the autumn.
