The march, convened under the slogan “Let's Stop the Social and Educational Emergency” by the unions USTEC, CGT, Intersindical, CNT, and COS, began at the Jardinets de Gràcia and proceeded down Passeig de Gràcia. Organizers reported 25,000 participants, while the Guardia Urbana estimated the attendance at 7,000.
The demonstrators aim to force a “change in public education” and demand a firmer commitment from the PSC government. The atmosphere was festive, with many participants wearing yellow, the symbolic color of the unions in this wave of mobilizations. The federation of Catalan student family associations (aFFaC), along with social movements and opposition political forces, also joined the protest.
“"We call for an open, deliberative process among all political and social agents on what education we want."
The spokesperson for USTEC highlighted the current educational crisis as a precursor to structural changes and called for resuming negotiations. Meanwhile, the general secretary of Education for CGT urged the government to negotiate and warned that further protests could be called in the autumn if no progress is made.
This event follows a previous strike day and demonstration, and comes ten days after teachers rejected a pre-agreement between the Department of Education and other unions in a vote. An educational assembly is scheduled for June 20th to prepare for potential autumn actions.
Additionally, the platform Revolució del 0-3 Catalunya has called for a strike on June 18th to demand labor improvements and greater recognition for early childhood education professionals, denouncing the sector's precariousness.
