Thousands march as Madrid teachers begin indefinite strike: the dispute explained
Thousands of teachers, students and families marched through central Madrid on Wednesday as an indefinite strike began across the region’s public schools, with unions demanding smaller classes, more staff, improved facilities and better pay. The demonstration brought an estimated 25,000 people onto the streets, according to the central government’s delegation... The post Thousands march as Madrid…
Thousands of teachers, students, and families took to the streets of central Madrid on Wednesday, marking the start of an indefinite strike. The demonstration, estimated to have drawn around 25,000 participants, marched from Atocha to Puerta del Sol, highlighting the demand for smaller class sizes, increased staff, better facilities, and higher pay.
Wearing characteristic green shirts, teachers were joined by parents, children, and university students, with early-years educators sporting yellow clothing. The strike, part of the Marea Verde movement, aims to address broader concerns about funding and organization of public education in Madrid. The region's education department estimated that approximately 70% of teachers participated, with about 65,000 teachers from the public, non-university education system called to take part.
Beyond pay, the strike also addresses teaching workloads, classroom support, school buildings, and resources for students with additional needs. While the strike has no fixed end date, organizers reported that some unions are not participating. The People's Party, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, criticized the strike as politically motivated and timed for electoral purposes.
The central government has requested an urgent investigation into police intervention during the march, following a road blockade by early-years educators and police action at Complutense University, where five people were arrested and eight injured.
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