Early Childhood Educators in Balearic Islands Plan Strike for Better Working Conditions
El Salto
- Early childhood educators in the Balearic Islands have initiated protests to demand better working conditions, with a general strike scheduled for October 6.
- Educators argue that current regional regulations are insufficient to provide quality care for children aged 0-3.
Core Demands and Issues
- High Student-Teacher Ratios: Current regulations allow for 7 children per teacher for ages 0-1, 12 for ages 1-2, and 18 for ages 2-3.
- Staffing Shortages: The current model of one teacher per classroom and limited support staff is deemed inadequate to address children with specific educational needs (NESE).
- Unpaid Work: Educators face a 40-hour weekly teaching schedule without compensation for mandatory tasks such as activity preparation, parent meetings, and administrative duties.
Upcoming Actions
- Ongoing Protests: Simultaneous demonstrations across Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are planned for the start of the school year.
- September 18: A "pedagogical day" will see staff at participating centers holding information sessions for families.
- September 25: A major sector-wide march will take place in major cities to demonstrate unity.
- October 6: A scheduled general strike, intended as a last resort if government negotiations fail to yield results.