La education strike The indefinite strike, called by CCOO, STEPV, UGT, CSIF, CGT, CNT, CSO, COS and platforms such as CADPV and Docents en Lluita, enters a decisive day this Wednesday, May 13, after the Conselleria de Education beech formally convened a new meeting face-to-face with union representatives.
The meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday, at 09:00 a.m. and, according to Marc Candela, head of Trade Union Action at STEPV, is expected to be attended by Regional Minister Carmen Ortí and her entire technical team. The meeting comes after two days of intense mobilization throughout the Valencian Community and in a context of growing social pressure on the regional government.
The unions demand to negotiate "the entire platform"
STEPV considers the meeting a positive step, although they warn that teachers will not accept negotiations limited solely to the salary proposal put forward so far by the Ministry.We expect them to come tomorrow with a real and effective proposal on all issues and with a willingness to negotiate."It's not just about compensation and those famous 75 euros over three years, but about the entire platform," Candela states.
The union leader insists that the goal is to reach an agreement before the end of the current academic year so that any measures can take effect on September 1st. "We want to move towards..." better working conditions and improvements to serve our students», he points out.
The strike continues despite the opening of negotiations.
The unions make it clear that the call for the negotiating table This does not imply an automatic cancellation of the strike or the planned mobilizations.Candela asserts that the opening of talks is a direct consequence of the pressure exerted in the streets during the last few days.
In this regard, STEPV considers it essential to maintain the protests until there is a satisfactory agreement for all teachers.The pressure must continue. "Because if we withdraw now, we'll be leaving the councilor free to do whatever she sees fit," he warns.
The rallies and demonstrations continue
The union confirms that All planned actions remain in placeThe rally called for this Wednesday at 12:00 in the capital cities will still take place, as will the demonstrations scheduled for Friday.
In Marina Altathis Wednesday afternoon May 13th will be marked by a demonstration in the regional capital, starting from Plaça Jaume I of Dénia at 19:00hFurthermore, the pickets are concentrated in Ondara today, while tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, they will be in Xàbia And there will be another gathering at 19:00 p.m. in Pedreguer.
«Tomorrow's offer must be very good. "So that we can cancel what we have prepared," Candela says.
The final decision will rest with the teachers.
Another key element of the union's strategy will be the internal consultation mechanism regarding any proposal that the Ministry may present. STEPV insists that will not make unilateral decisions and that any possible agreement will be subject to the judgment of all the teachers affected by the strike.
The union is already working on participation mechanisms, such as surveys or other arbitration systems, to try to ensure that the maximum number of teachers can have a say on the possible offers.
Skepticism after months of tension with the Ministry
Despite the opening of the new negotiating table, skepticism persists among union representatives regarding the previous evolution of the conflict. Candela stated: "What the Regional Minister said about us not wanting to negotiate is not true; on the contrary, we have wanted to negotiate since September."
STEPV points out that they have been trying to open negotiations since last September and criticizes the recent episodes of a lack of direct communication with the Regional Ministry. Among these, they mention the failed attempt at a meeting at the University of Valencia yesterday, where the Regional Minister did not attend in person and delegated institutional representation to a director general. "We are happy in principle; we'll see what happens tomorrow," Candela summarizes.
The strike enters a decisive phase
After two days of mobilization, the unions maintain that the strike's participation remains high. The organizations estimate around 75% support for the protest on the second day of the strikeWhile on the first day the unions spoke of more than 80% participation and the councilor herself, Carmen Ortí, publicly acknowledged a participation rate of over 50%.
