Chilean Teachers Announce 48-Hour National Strike Over Unmet Demands, Call for March in Valparaíso

The Chilean Teachers’ Association has announced a 48-hour national strike scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 5, citing government inaction on a series of longstanding demands aimed at improving job conditions and strengthening the country’s public education system.

The decision was formalized in a statement released Thursday, in which the union criticized the Ministry of Education for its “insufficient concrete responses” to a six-point petition presented in January, known as the “Short Agenda.” Union leaders said the lack of substantive engagement has deepened a crisis in the education sector, particularly in areas of job stability, workload, and administrative efficiency.

“The government has postponed substantive responses, which forces us to mobilize more forcefully to demand effective measures and real commitments,” the statement read. It was signed by National President Mario Aguilar and Secretary General Lessly Marchant.

The strike is expected to impact public schools across all regions of the country, with high levels of teacher participation anticipated. In parallel with the walkout, the union has called for a large-scale demonstration in Valparaíso, where members will rally outside the National Congress to present their demands directly to legislators and government officials.

Six Demands of the “Short Agenda”

The union’s petition outlines six key demands:

1. New Tenure Law – Implementation of regulations that ensure job security and eliminate precarious, short-term contracts for educators.
2. Reforms to the Teaching Career Framework – Greater transparency in professional development processes and reduced administrative workload for teachers.
3. Debt-Free Transfers in Public Education System (SLEPs) – Ensuring that transitions within the Local Public Education Services (SLEPs) do not result in unpaid salaries or pension debts.
4. Workload Reduction – Elimination of excessive administrative burdens and mandatory “abusive” teacher replacements that contribute to burnout.
5. Recognition of Head Teachers – Strengthening the role and responsibilities of Head Teachers through formal acknowledgment and improved compensation.
6. Teachers’ Day Observance – Official designation of Teachers’ Day as a non-instructional day, with school calendars adapted to regional realities.

The union stated that these issues are critical to addressing what it describes as a systemic deterioration of Chile’s public education system.

“This strike is part of our Ascending Action Plan to increase pressure and achieve concrete commitments,” the statement added. “Teachers and public education deserve respect and immediate action. The struggle continues, and our voice must not be ignored.”

As of Thursday, the Ministry of Education had not issued a formal response to the planned strike or the union’s renewed demands.