Spanish Teachers Strike at All Education Levels Teachers at all levels of Spain's education system are on strike to protest billions in spending cuts enacted as part of an austerity drive. Students are also taking part in the Tuesday strike, unprecedented in that all levels - from elementary school to universities - are taking part simultaneously. Union officials said it was too early to give figures on how many teachers are staying away from work. All but three of Spain's 17 regions are participating. Spain is struggling to cut its deficit amid fears that its public finances and troubled banking sector will cause it to need a bailout as Greece, Ireland and Portugal did. The billions of euros in cuts in spending translate into fewer teachers, more students per class, fewer extra-curricular activities and higher university tuition.