Vocational Training Teachers to Protest in Alicante Against Proposed 'Cuts' for Next Academic Year

Vocational Training teachers in Alicante will take to the streets this coming Friday to protest against changes in the teaching staff criteria starting from the 2025/26 academic year. Those affected believe that the new distribution of modules will lead to a reduction in staff, as well as teaching hours dedicated to functions such as tutoring, educational guidance, or semi-presential attention.

The protest is supported by STEPV, the majority teaching union in the Valencian Community, and will take place from 10:00 am at the gates of the IES Francisco Figueras Pacheco in Alicante.

In a written statement, the teachers criticise the new Vocational Training Law, claiming it does not provide clear guidance or support from the Ministry. They also argue that the new legislation has worsened their situation, partly due to the requirement to organise professional practices in the first and second year, which has 'multiplied' the workload without a proportional increase in dedication hours.

Another condition highlighted by the teachers is the new hiring regime established in decree 97/2025, which, they claim, requires having worked in the productive sector (outside the teaching field) for at least two years in the last four to be eligible for hiring. They believe this condition could exclude many teaching professionals.

In their view, this decree will result in a reduction of hours compared to the current situation, reducing complementary hours for department meetings, coordination, programming, and activities. "All this is necessary to offer students quality education adapted to the current situation, with the preparation of unpublished content and the monitoring of didactic programs with the detail required by the new regulations," they explain.

For its part, the Ministry of Education defends the remuneration regime set by Decree 97/2025 for expert and specialist Vocational Training teachers, as they will be paid for the teaching sessions they conduct, plus an additional 20% for the preparation of those classes and the evaluation of students.

They also claim there will be an improvement in the hiring system, which will now be carried out under a labour regime with a standard indefinite part-time contract. This new hiring modality will grant them the right to continuity and compensation in case of dismissal.