Catalan government declines to reopen existing education pacts

The Government of Catalonia has ruled out reopening existing educational pacts, stating that current agreements are already in the implementation phase. Esther Niubó, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, noted that renegotiating these commitments is not viable at this stage. The current pacts, signed by unions such as CCOO, UGT, and Professors de Secundà, include progressive economic improvements for teachers, the addition of over 1,800 staff members, protection of teaching authority, and a general reduction in classroom ratios.

While maintaining the current agreements, the administration is attempting to engage with unions that did not sign, specifically Ustec and CGT, following recent labor unrest and strikes. A sectoral meeting is scheduled for October 2 to improve communication with these critical groups.

Historically, Catalonia has struggled to reach broad educational consensus, with the last major National Pact for Education dating back to 2006. While specific agreements like the 2019 Pact against School Segregation have been successful, the government is now focused on stabilizing the institutional relationship and moving past recent periods of labor conflict.