Basque Government gives green light for equal pay for staff in semi-private education in line with the public system

• The amendment of the law provides for the allocation of 67 million euros to initiate the wage equalisation process, expected to be completed in 2027

• To mark International Day of Rural Women, Minister Barredo reaffirmed her commitment to gender equality in the rural environment, "promoting policies that foster the active participation in public life”

The approval of the draft bill for the gradual equalisation of salaries for teaching and education staff in semi-private centres, bringing it into line with public centres, was one of the highlights of the press conference after today's Cabinet meeting.

At her weekly appearance, spokesperson María Ubarretxena was accompanied by Minster of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, Amaia Barredo; and Minister for Education, Begoña Pedrosa. Begoña Pedrosa detailed how this wage equalisation process will be implemented. “The amendment of the Budget Law approved today at Cabinet, and it initiates the process of salary equalisation for staff in the semi-private system. This is good news and a measure that has the legal support and consensus of employers’ groups and the principal trade unions.” The Minister for Education also informed the press that 67 million euros will be allocated to this process, with an expected completion date of 2027. The aim of this amendment is to “guarantee the provision of free, quality teaching”. 

After today’s approval, the bill will go before the Basque Parliament for processing and approval by the Plenary Session of the Chamber. Once Parliamentary approval is finalised, “the remuneration differences arising from the equalisation in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will be paid as soon as possible and certainly before the end of the year”. 

222 complaints to Elebide

María Ubarretxena explained that the Cabinet had approved the 2023 Report by Elebide, the language rights guarantee service. The report shows that last year, 222 incidents were registered relating to violations of language rights, however, only 176 were admitted for processing, the lowest number in the last 6 years. 91.3% of the complaints were rights violations in the public sector. It should be noted that the majority refer to the General Administration of the Basque Country Autonomous Community (40.8%) and to the Local Administration (38.1%).

Today’s Cabinet meeting also saw the approval of the extension of the Global Credit for the Department of Housing and Urban Agenda. The increase for the year 2024 is 25,220,000 euros. This sum will meet the credit needs of programmes like Gaztelagun, housing refurbishment subsidies and the Economic Housing Benefit (PEV).

Extraordinary aid for the viticulture sector in Rioja Alavesa

For her part, Amaia Barredo announced that the Basque Government had this year approved extraordinary aid of 5.6 million euros for the winemaking sector and to support winemakers in Rioja Alavesa (DOCa Rioja). Barredo reminded those present that this decision “is motivated as compensation for the limits on production imposed by the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin body - and is open to all wine growers who harvested red grapes in 2024.”

Minister Barredo reminded those present that today marks International Day of Rural Women. Barredo reaffirmed her commitment to gender equality in the rural environment, “promoting policies that foster active participation of women in public life, in equal conditions of men”. She also said it was necessary to “incorporate new assets, in this case young women, into the primary sector”.