The indefinite strike by teachers in the Valencian Community has seen protests move directly into the streets of Vega Baja. On the first day, union figures suggested that over 80% of public education staff ceased activity, and early figures for the second day indicate a continued turnout of around 75%.
The strike action spread across various points in the region, with marches and rallies drawing dozens of teachers, supported by parents and pupils. Their goal is to pressure the Ministry of Education to negotiate a new roadmap for public schools.
The day began early in Los Montesinos at 7:45 am, where a large group with banners and megaphones marched through the town, temporarily halting traffic on the CV-945. Moments of tension were reported between security forces and protesters, which eventually led to the latter blocking the access roundabout to the road.
The action then moved to Orihuela. From 9:00 am, teachers walked through the weekly market on Avenida Marqués de Molins to speak with residents. Later, at midday, a “green tide” gathered at the Glorieta Gabriel Miró, where drums and chants filled the air as the community demanded their voices be heard.
Staff have highlighted a “desperate situation” in regional schools, citing excessive workloads caused by staff shortages and slow bureaucracy, which often leaves pupils without substitute teachers for months. There are also calls for more specialist staff for pupils with special educational needs.
Infrastructure remains a significant grievance. Maria Ouharrouch, a spokesperson for the Assembly of Teachers of Vega Baja, noted that in one Torrevieja primary school, pupils began the year in “barracones” (prefabricated classrooms) with specialized rooms being repurposed to accommodate more children. Meanwhile, the Miguel Hernández school in Orihuela and several centres in Callosa de Segura have reportedly been without heating for two years.
Marta Tafalla, another spokesperson and STEPV union representative, emphasised that the struggle is about providing decent conditions for children rather than just teacher salaries. Parents like Raquel, whose daughter attends the Miguel Hernández school, joined the protest to support the staff, noting that even newer schools are in “disastrous” conditions and failing to meet the legal requirements for pupils with special needs.
The teachers’ demands include an immediate reduction in class ratios, stable staff reinforcements, an urgent plan for school climate control and rehabilitation, and less bureaucracy. While the regional secretary, Daniel McEvoy, stated that the Ministry is willing to negotiate if unions abandon “maximalist” positions, the STEPV union claims they have yet to receive any formal invitation to meet. A further rally is planned at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Valencia.
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