«Education Cannot Endure Further Cuts»: Eight Unions Confirmed for March to Valparaíso Organized by Teachers’ Association

Original article: «La educación no resiste más recortes»: 8 gremios confirmados para caminata a Valparaíso convocada por el Colegio de Profesores

With just 48 hours left before the march to Valparaíso organized by the Chilean Teachers’ Association, the Pro Association for Employees of the National Board of Kindergarten Schools (Aprojunji) announced its support for the demonstration, bringing the total number of participating unions to eight. These groups will march from Santiago to the port city starting this Sunday, September 6.

The coalition also includes: the National Association of Employees of the Ministry of Education (Andime), the National Association of Employees of the Education Superintendence (Asume), the National Federation of Public Education Assistants (Aefen), the Union No. 2 of Workers from the Integra Foundation (Sindidos), the Association of Employees from the Education Quality Agency (Anface), and the Association of Employees of Junaeb (Afaeb).

Mario Aguilar, the president of the teachers’ union, emphasized that this joint action aims to «draw attention to the serious issues affecting Chilean education, which could worsen if the proposal to reduce the education budget, currently under discussion in the National Congress, becomes a reality.»

«Chilean education needs more resources; it cannot withstand another cut,» the union leader stressed.

«There Are Countless Needs»

Aguilar reminded that recent storms have shown that the infrastructure is unable to withstand heavy rain in many areas due to years and decades of inadequate maintenance.

Additionally, he noted that «programs could be terminated, and class sizes might increase by merging groups — which complicates the teaching and learning process — impacting students and the many other needs, such as professional support in inclusion programs.»

«There are countless needs, which coincide with those of other educational unions: Higher Education, Early Childhood, and even state agencies like the Ministry, the Superintendence, and the Quality Agency, along with Junaeb, will also participate,» Aguilar indicated.

Regarding the details of the march, the president of the Teachers’ Association shared that «we will march with 120 people, completing the full walk. However, on the final day, Tuesday, the 8th, starting at 8:30 AM, we will gather for the last leg from the Valparaíso-Viña intersection to enter the port city and reach Congress.»

«Anyone who wants to participate and support this activity can join us; the important thing is that we will unite forces with different unions to defend Chilean education,» Aguilar reiterated.

We will continue to provide updates.