Madrid public education teachers enter third week of indefinite strike

Public education teachers in the Community of Madrid have entered their third week of an indefinite strike, protesting for improved salaries, better infrastructure, and increased support staff. Unions are demanding a linear monthly increase of 600 euros to compensate for the high cost of living and loss of purchasing power.

The regional government has rejected these demands, claiming the requested raise would result in an annual cost of 665 million euros, an amount they deem unfeasible given that personnel costs already consume nearly half of the Education Department's budget. Officials also disputed claims that Madrid teachers are the lowest paid in Spain, stating they rank among the top six regions for gross salary.

Protests have escalated, with demonstrators marching through central Madrid and blocking major thoroughfares like Gran Vía. Tensions rose during recent demonstrations as National Police reportedly charged against protesters near the Ministry of Education. While teachers demand urgent negotiations with the strike committee, regional authorities maintain that dialogue remains open but the specific financial demands are unsustainable.