Teachers in Funchal protest placement process

Teachers in Funchal, Madeira, held a demonstration to express growing revolt regarding the teacher placement process for the 2026/2027 academic year. Organized by the Madeira Teachers' Union (SPM), the protest, titled ‘Tribuna da Indignação dos Professores e Educadores’, took place in front of the Regional Secretariat for Education, Science, and Technology.

Union coordinator Francisco Oliveira described the procedures as ‘unclear’ and argued they precariousize permanent staff while threatening the stability of contract workers. The union specifically highlighted severe issues within the preschool and first-cycle sectors, noting that criteria for placement have shifted and that there is a lack of educators per classroom compared to previous years. Union leader Lucinda Gabriel characterized the process as a ‘disaster,’ citing a lack of respect for teacher proximity to residences and the professional dignity of early childhood educators.