Spain: Unionized teachers to demonstrate in Barcelona June 9

Event

Unionized teachers will demonstrate in Barcelona June 9 over several grievances with regional educational policy, including cuts to services and the requirement to teach 25 percent of classes in Spanish rather than Catalan. Activists will gather at Placa de la Universitat and march to Placa de Sant Jaume from 11:30; attendance could reach the thousands. Organizing unions have also called for a regionwide strike June 9 which will likely result in some disruptions to education services throughout Catalonia, though the government is requiring minimum levels of service be maintained.

Additional police will deploy to monitor the demonstration. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions along the march route. Public transport normally routed through the area will likely be canceled or diverted. The action is likely to pass peacefully, though isolated clashes with security services cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in the affected area June 9.