On 25 August 2026, teachers’ unions and other education organisations sent the education minister of the Community of Madrid, Mercedes Zarzalejoa letter containing a specific proposal for negotiations. The aim is to avert the indefinite strike in public non-university education announced for 14 October 2026 . The signatories are demanding an immediate written response from the Consejería de Educaciónto explore the possibility of an agreement before classes resume in autumn.
The letter refers to a course of action agreed on 24 June in Madrid and approved at a meeting at the Auditorio Marcelino Camacho . It goes on to say that if the regional government does not make a credible offer, the current mobilisation should become an indefinite strike. The date 14 October 2026 is explicitly mentioned.
In their negotiating platform, the organisations have brought together demands on structures and staffing. They seek to limit teaching hours in primary and secondary schools, reduce the proportion of temporary staff, lower class sizes, and provide additional resources for special educational needs and school counselling. They also call for financial improvements through a specific regional allowance, more administrative capacity in schools and investment in buildings – including heat protection and asbestos removal. Strengthening vocational training and ensuring reliable construction planning are also among their priorities.
The regional government of the Comunidad de Madrid had already criticised the escalation in the education sector before the summer. Representatives of the cabinet of Isabel Díaz Ayuso accused the initiatives of having a political agenda. Zarzalejo herself had described the actions at the time as politically charged. The unions counter that without commitments set down in writing, the situation will intensify at the start of the school year.
Two points will be decisive over the coming weeks. First, whether the Consejería de Educación makes a specific written offer for negotiations on the demands put forward in the short term. Second, whether the unions involved jointly reaffirm their existing course of action. If an agreement is reached, the announcement of an indefinite strike could be withdrawn. Otherwise, Madrid faces protracted disputes in autumn, with consequences for staffing plans, the organisation of lessons and families – not least because many measures, such as class sizes and staffing ratios, cannot be implemented at short notice.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).