More than 35,000 people joined a major education march through Valencia on Friday, the fifth day of an indefinite teachers’ strike in the Valencian Community. Demonstrators demanded higher salaries, smaller class sizes and better resources for public schools.
The protest, backed by all unions, wound through central Valencia with green T-shirts and banners calling for less bureaucracy, more staff and recovery of purchasing power lost in recent years. Government sources put attendance at 35,000 people who had traveled from across the region.
Teachers such as Rosa Llorca from La Vila Joiosa complained of substitution delays exceeding fifteen days and classes of up to 40 pupils in Bachillerato. Guidance counselors like Claudia Cucala said a single professional must serve 350 students, making it impossible to address pupil diversity.
The Valencian government recorded 39.11 % strike participation by midday and said it will table a new salary proposal on Monday. Unions warned they will continue the action until all their demands are met.
