Catalan educators have returned to the streets this Friday to demonstrate their strength following the overwhelming rejection of the tentative agreement signed between the Government and majority unions. According to the Guàrdia Urbana, approximately 15,200 people protested in Barcelona, nearly doubling the numbers from the previous general education strike. Protests are set to continue next week, coinciding with the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the city.

The three organizing unions – Ustec, CGT, and Intersindical – have confirmed a new general education strike for Tuesday, June 9th. Meanwhile, the educational conflict remains stalled as the Government has closed the door on further negotiations. Education Minister Esther Niubó stated that "the time for negotiation has ended."

Friday's demonstrations were concentrated in Barcelona, with three marches converging at the Arc de Triomf for the main protest. The private sector schools (concertada) held their own separate demonstration. A group of teachers briefly entered the Territorial Services of Education building in Barcelonès and also blocked the Ronda Litoral.

This general education strike concludes four weeks of work stoppages. Unions have announced that protests will continue for the remaining two weeks of the academic year, including actions during the Pope's visit. Unlike previous mobilizations, Friday's protest saw fewer union flags and more homemade signs, indicating a shift in the control of the movement.

Internal consultation results revealed that 65% of participating teachers voted against the tentative agreement. Out of 60,686 teachers who voted, 39,502 (65%) chose 'no'. The agreement included a salary increase of 400 euros over four years and the hiring of 6,400 professionals, but teachers deem it insufficient, particularly regarding inclusive education provisions.

Minister Esther Niubó will meet with the unions that signed the previous agreement and plans to contact Ustec on Monday. She has urged teachers to show "reflection, responsibility, and realism" and has ruled out resuming negotiations, stating that the current framework is "sufficient and realistic."

The commissioner of the Mossos d'Esquadra, David Boneta, assured that the police force will ensure compatibility between the Pope's visit and the ongoing demonstrations. "We have designed a plan to guarantee the safety of both visitors and the Holy Father, compatible with fundamental rights," he stated. The security operation involves 5,600 Mossos officers and 500 Guardia Urbana officers.