The indefinite strike by Valencian teachers has entered its second week of protests following the overwhelming rejection by the teaching staff of the latest preliminary agreement presented by the Ministry of Education. EducationThis Saturday, May 23, another large demonstration took place in Valencia.
The protest once again brought together a massive green wave of teachers, families, students, and citizens in defense of Valencian public education. According to the Government Delegation in the Valencian Community, The demonstration brought together more than 30.000 people, a figure virtually identical to that recorded just a week ago in the Valencian capital.
The mobilization once again demonstrated that the education conflict remains far from over, despite the negotiations held between unions and the Regional Ministry of Education in recent days. This sentiment was also echoed in the Marina Alta region, with various demonstrations organized throughout the week, such as the large human chain formed in the center of Benissa last Thursday.
The Teacher Coordinator assures that the teaching staff emerges stronger
Coinciding with the new mass demonstration, the Coordinadora d'Assemblees Docents del País Valencià (CADPV) released a statement in which it asserts that the teachers' movement emerges strengthened after the consultation carried out with Valencian teachers on the proposed agreement put forward by the Conselleria.
According to the Coordinator, More than 43.000 teachers participated in the voteThis, they point out, represents more than half of the Valencian teaching staff. The result was conclusive: 76% rejected the proposed agreement presented by the education administration.The result has been indisputable"," states the communiqué issued by the teachers' assemblies.
"The Ministry is worn out"
The Coordinating Committee strongly criticizes the Ministry of Education's handling of the conflict and asserts that the protests have succeeded in breaking the official narrative.Today we know that the one who is truly worn out is the Ministry because we have broken their narrative and because we have said enough is enough"," the statement says.
Teachers' unions believe that the strike and the massive demonstrations held over the past two weeks have finally forced the regional government to the negotiating table. However, they consider the proposals put forward so far insufficient to resolve the conflict.
The Coordinating Committee also denounces the pressure suffered by teachers during the conflict.They have tried to wear down the movement with lies, manipulation, and constant pressure. They haven't succeeded.“,” the statement says. Far from demobilizing the teachers, the assemblies believe that each attempt at pressure has further strengthened the movement.Each maneuver to demoralize has represented a firm and decisive step forward."," they emphasize.
The strike is presented as a global defense of public education.
Teachers' assemblies insist that the educational conflict transcends labor demands and directly affects the Valencian educational model.We are a movement that defends the rights of the social majority"," the text states.
Among the main demands that the organizing groups continue to maintain are:
- The reduction of ratios.
- The increase in teaching staff.
- Teacher salary improvement.
- More resources for educational inclusion.
- Reducing bureaucracy.
- The improvement of educational infrastructure.
- The defense of the Valencian.
- The halt in cuts in Training Professional.
"We will not accept blackmail or authoritarian attitudes."
The Coordinating Committee also warns that the teachers' assemblies will maintain the pressure until there is a proposal they consider sufficient.We will not accept blackmail or authoritarian attitudes."," the statement emphasizes.
The group claims to feel "stronger, more organized, and better prepared than ever" and believes that the social support received in recent weeks is key to sustaining the conflict.We've come to stay"The teachers' assemblies conclude."
The indefinite strike will enter its third week on Monday, May 25, marked by the continuation of the mobilizations and by the growing pressure on the Ministry of Education after the massive demonstrations throughout the Valencian territory.
