Thousands march through Madrid for public education ahead of indefinite October strike

On Sunday, an estimated 20,000 individuals gathered in Madrid to advocate for improvements to the public education system, ahead of an indefinite strike set to commence on October 14th. Organized by the Madrid Public Education United Strike Committee, the march began at Atocha and proceeded to Puerta del Sol, the regional government's headquarters. Demonstrators, clad in green to symbolize the public education movement, carried banners demanding reduced teaching hours, smaller classes, and increased investment in schools.

Protesters also converged with a separate citizens' encampment, established the previous night, addressing housing concerns. The strike committee's demands include a limit of 17 teaching periods per week in secondary schools and 22 in primary schools, accounting for additional duties such as tutoring and department coordination.

They also seek lower pupil-to-teacher ratios, more counselors and support staff, reduced administrative burdens, and enhanced facilities. Education federation general secretary Aida Sanmillán highlighted a 21.9% decrease in teachers' purchasing power since 2010 and called for a €600 salary increase to align with regional counterparts.

The UGT union spokesperson, Chema Pinto, emphasized school segregation as a critical issue and advocated for equal opportunities within the education system. The Student Union urged families to support the upcoming strike, emphasizing that the fight extends beyond young people and the education community to encompass the broader working-class struggle for social rights.

The Madrid regional government responded by noting the addition of 1,280 teachers to public schools in the 2026-27 academic year, along with a €65 million increase in spending and reduced class sizes. However, unions argue that these measures are insufficient, calling for further reductions in class sizes, particularly for students requiring specialized support, alongside additional staff and fewer teaching periods for educators.

The indefinite strike, announced in May and ratified in June, was discussed as regional authorities attempted to engage in negotiations. Regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso called for talks on career progression for teachers, and the government invited unions to a sectoral meeting. Despite these efforts, the strike committee has maintained its October 14th start date, and the march will likely be followed by an ongoing indefinite strike across Madrid's public education sector unless an agreement is reached.