No agreement between education unions and ministry

Catalan education unions and the education ministry have not reached an agreement following a meeting on Friday morning in Barcelona.

In a short press conference after the meeting at the Catalan education ministry, the Catalan education minister, Josep Gonzàlez-Cambray, explained that no agreement had been made.

"We made an initial offer, and we were open to listening to everyone. [Unions] have not made any proposal," Gonzàlez-Cambray said, adding that unions have pushed to "either withdraw the earlier start [of lessons] or we will not talk anymore and we will call for a strike."

While the meeting was taking place in the ministry, occupied by teachers since Thursday evening, unions representing both teachers and students called for a strike on March 23. However, after the meeting, they increased this to five days instead.

Besides the strike, unions have warned they will not start the academic year if their demands are not met. The minister already said that the calendar will not be changed. 

One of the arguments for the strike is for the court to rule that 25% of lessons are to be given in Spanish. A reason that has not "been brought to the table," the minister said.

Recent important changes

The education sector is facing several important changes in the near future.

The 2022-23 school year will start between September 5 and 7, one week earlier than usual, as announced by the minister on February 10.

The suggestion was not welcomed by several teachers’ unions in Catalonia as it was authorized without the School Council's approval.

Another problem faced by teachers is the court imposition of 25% of lessons to be given in Spanish, as a Supreme Court ruling sentenced in November 2021.

Additionally, there are discrepancies over the education curriculum. With the new changes, students will not get a "fail" mark but instead, a result of "achievement in process." Years ago, it used to be "improvement needed" or "insufficient."

Some experts consider the proposed naming will make sure children remain motivated when studying as they will not relate the mark with a failure.