Balearic private-school teachers set for 23-hour week

Teachers at private schools across the Balearics could see their classroom hours cut to 23 a week in secondary education and bachillerato, while primary staff would teach 25. Education minister Antoni Vera set out the plan in Palma on Monday as part of talks on a new agreement for the sector. The government says it wants to bring conditions closer to those in public schools.

The proposal also calls for a review of long-service and tutor payments. Tutors would receive one extra teaching hour.

Unions and employers must respond

The measures are the Education and Universities Ministry’s opening offer. Employers’ groups and unions must now put forward their own proposals.

Negotiations with the private concerted education round table have begun after the ministry opened talks earlier this month with unions representing public-school staff. Vera wants both agreements negotiated in parallel and approved by the end of the year or at the start of 2027.

The public-school framework is planned for 2027 to 2031. Vera said the aim was a workable, clear deal that a government elected in 2027 could carry out.

Earlier deal nearly complete

Vera said the 2023 agreement for private concerted schools is “practically finished”. It had already brought secondary teachers one fewer teaching hour, added educational psychologists, introduced a tutor payment and increased guidance hours in primary education.

The Balearics has around ten concerted CAP centres for pupils in vulnerable situations. Vera said these schools need specific resources when pupils enrol. Teachers over 55 already teach two hours less.

More than €250 million has gone towards improving teachers’ conditions in the Balearics, Vera said: nearly €160 million for public-school staff and more than €90 million for those in concerted schools. On an outstanding 2% salary rise frozen in 2020 and 2021, he said the Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Social Dialogue must answer questions.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Education · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com