Teachers take to Madrid streets in fresh wave of strikes

P. Á. / F. J. B. - Madrid - 04/10/2011

In English

The strikes have been called in protest against longer working hours and the dismissal of up to 3,000 substitute teachers, according to the unions, which in turn has led to many teachers being given extra classes to cover, despite the fact that they are not specialized in the subjects.

Most of the protestors' ire was reserved for Aguirre and the regional education chief, Lucía Figar. "For the good of education, Esperanza resignation," went the cry, as the crowd passed near the regional education headquarters.

"I have never seen such organization," said Carmelo Plaza, a teacher from Castilla-La Mancha. "Although the conflict will be long and difficult, it is very important because it has the backing of parents and students."

The secretary general of the PP in Madrid, Francisco Granados, reiterated the party line that the unions are engineering a "political strike."