Overview
- Tens of thousands of early‑years educators joined a nationwide strike on Thursday, with unions calling out what they say are “abusive” 50% minimum-service orders that kept many from walking out.
- In Valencia, the regional government offered a pay rise equal to €1,050 a year phased from 2027 to 2029, but unions rejected it as far too low and said Monday’s indefinite strike will go ahead.
- Regional follow‑through varied, with Catalonia’s education department reporting 9.01% participation by mid‑morning as marches in Barcelona highlighted calls for smaller groups and more staff.
- Workers demand lower child‑to‑adult ratios—often described as 4 infants, 6 one‑year‑olds, and 8 two‑year‑olds per educator—plus two adults per room, better pay, more specialist support, and a calendar aligned with other school stages.
- Spain’s Education Ministry says it will start a pre‑summer review of Royal Decree 132/2010 to consider regulating 0–3 ratios, while Madrid’s regional government argues it cannot change ratios on its own under current law.