Negotiation Deadlock Escalates Strike
According to late May 2026 reports, the indefinite teachers’ strike in the Valencian Community has intensified following the collapse of labor negotiations. After the latest round of talks with the regional education department failed to produce an agreement, teachers’ unions decided to continue the strike. Subsequently, about 250 teachers from the ‘Association of Valencian PAU Exam Graders’ issued a statement, warning they would not rule out a mass resignation from their grading duties during the University Entrance Exams (PAU), scheduled for June 2-4, to protest the prolonged stalemate.
Core Demands of the Teachers’ Collective
The teachers’ collective has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Valencian Department of Education’s perceived lack of sincerity and flexibility in negotiations, pointing out that most proposals to improve the education system have been rejected. Their core demands focus on resolving a series of long-standing educational issues, including:
- Worsening Working Conditions: Overcrowded classes are diminishing the quality of teaching; tutors face increased hours without corresponding pay, and an excessive burden of administrative and clerical work has left many teachers in a state of ‘professional burnout’.
- Resource and Curriculum Issues: Inadequate teaching facilities (such as classrooms) and the cancellation of some arts program classes.
- Controversial Education Policies: Teachers argue that current policies are marginalizing the teaching of the Valencian language and that the curriculum framework is not being given due consideration.
Government Response: A Call for Calm and Assurance of Normal Exams
Facing the impending ‘university entrance exam crisis,’ officials from the Valencian regional government have responded. The Regional Secretary for Universities, Esther Gómez, has publicly called for ‘calm’ and assured the public that the authorities have the means to ensure the University Entrance Exams proceed as scheduled and to maintain the ‘normalcy’ of the entire process.
Meanwhile, the President of the Valencian Community, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, described the graders’ threat of mass resignation at this juncture as ‘illogical.’ He stressed that improving the education system is a common goal for both the government and the unions, claiming the government has shown its willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation, and hopes for a swift agreement.
Uncertain Future for Tens of Thousands of Students
This escalating labor dispute has become one of the most closely watched social issues in the Valencia region. As the University Entrance Exam dates draw near, there is widespread concern that if the conflict is not resolved in time, the escalating strike will directly impact the academic plans of tens of thousands of graduating students, casting a shadow of great uncertainty over their futures.
