The city of Lleida hosted the fourth strike day for the education sector today, featuring a large protest called in front of the territorial services of Education. According to the USTEC union, the demonstration attracted approximately 4,000 people, a figure halved by the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan Police). The march proceeded without incident through the city's main streets, concluding at the Casa dels Gegants where a manifesto was read.
Strike participation in the regions of Ponent, Alt Pirineu, and Aran stood at 15%, according to official figures from Education, while unions claim it reached 60%. The sector's primary demands include higher salaries, increased resources for student support, and reduced class sizes.
The gathering began at the headquarters of the territorial services of Education, where a brief moment of tension occurred between protesters and officers of the Mossos d’Esquadra. The march continued through plaça Ricard Viñes, rambla Ferran, and avinguda de Blodel. In front of the PSC headquarters, demonstrators intensified their chants against the Government and the Minister of Education, Esther Niubó.
“"We ask to open the seams of this agreement and be able to discuss everything, not just resources for inclusion, which is a priority, but also workload, class sizes, and salary."
Rosa Aguilà, spokesperson for USTEC in Lleida, lamented the necessity of returning to the streets, criticizing that Minister Niubó presented "no proposals" during Thursday's meeting. The union disputes the official strike participation figures, which place the percentage at 15.51%, insisting instead on a 60% turnout.
