Union urges parents to keep children away from school

Teaching unions and the Balearic government continued to trade verbal blows yesterday as the education stoppage entered its fifth day with no sign of accord.
One of the main trade unions called on parents to keep their children away from school to show their support for the teachers who are striking against plans by the Balearic government to introduce a new three language teaching system (English, Catalan and Spanish). Striking teachers say that they do not have the necessary skills or resources to introduce the system. Placards carried by some students and teachers stated that English was not the problem, it was more a question of greater learning in Spanish as opposed to Catalan.
The Balearic government says that they are deeply concerned that the striking teachers are trying to involve their students and parents. Balearic President Jose Ramon Bauza said this week that it was “irresponsible”for students to take part in demonstrations organised by their teachers.