We Exist, We Resist!

Demonstration Saturday March 28th.

Where ?: Jardinets d'Gracia, Gran de Gracia, Barcelona

Why ?: In Barcelona changes are being proposed for a new convenio. A convenio is a "guideline" for conditions that many employers use. Until recently the catalan convenio used by many language schools was joined with the state school sytem (reglada) convenio, so things like holidays, working/teaching hours and conditions were connected to state school teachers. Recently under the old adage of "divide and rule" the "bosses" (patronales) have campaigned to split the convenio into 2, "reglada" and "non-reglada"- The 1st non reglada convenio is now being negotiated and the proposals made by the patronale don't look good for anyone working in the language teaching sector...

What has all this malarky got to do with us?

At Bonanova we work under a different convenio and because of this these changes don't "directly" effect us, but look at it this way.

We are all part time, we all have to work at other centres to make ends meet...if you work at any other school in Barcelona the likelihood is you will be directly effected by these "changes" that are now being proposed. These changes are mostly negative from a teachers point of view...loss of holidays, a longer working week and effectively, less rights and money for what you do..

Look at it another way.

Did you know the British Council in Spain is now at the beginning of negotiations for its own convenio? This will directly effect you and every other BC worker in Spain right now and in the future. Soon you will be asked to contribute to these negotiations. What happens with this convenio negotiation here in Catalunya could directly effect our own negotiations and it's really important that you, as a teacher at Bonanova, understand the kinds of things being negotiated and can make an informed contribution to the BC negotiations pan-spain.

Or finally, just look at it this way...

A lovely afternoon, food, music (from our very own Kev "the bluegrass wonder" and Mark "spin me those vibes" Dix) kids activities, come, join in, meet up with your mates and be merry!

Meet Paul McGinty..

Left: Steve Rumbold CCOO. Right: Paul McGinty.

Meeting at CCOO offices 6th March

Ever wondered what's happening in the rest of BC Spain or who's who in pan-spain?
There are 11 centres in total around Spain and Madrid Young Learners (MYL) is one of the biggest centres for the Council worldwide. In British Council comite world Paul McGinty is a well known name and figure.

On 6th March we had the opportunity to meet Paul, (MYL Rep, CCOO Rep and a member of the European Works Comission) at CCOO head quarters on Via Laietana. Paul has been actively involved with comites in Madrid from the mid 90's and he was invited to Barcelona by Steve Rumbold who has set up the Grup d'idiomes - a group representing language schools within the CCOO. Paul chaired a meeting where he was able to share his history and expertise and also give insights into working on comite. His experience is invaluable and has come from years of dealing with all the trials and tribulations of being a rep at MYL. At the same meeting there were reps not only from our centres - Bonanova and Amigo, but also from other schools from all around Barcelona, Merit, IH, and The North American Institute amongst others.

It was great to see all the different reps there and to feel that we are more involved together and to get ideas for the future!

Bonanova comite