The teachers in Romania decided to continue the strike that started two weeks ago, accusing that “the way the government reacted [...] make us think that once this strike ended, they’ll return to their old habits [of failing on their promises],” according to a statement sent by the two trade union federations on June 5, quoted by Hotnews.ro.

Minister of education Ligia Deca said that the yearend exams calendar should be deferred unless teachers return to classes on June 6.

The government endorsed last week an emergency ordinance to increase teachers’ wages by 25% (for lower salaries) to 18% (for higher salaries) and added more bonuses to those working in special conditions. However, the ordinance was a unilateral step taken by the executive rather than the outcome of the negotiations.

“Teachers were given all that they asked for,” President Klaus Iohannis said, concluding that the teachers “should not dare” to put at risk the yearend exams.

The unnecessary remark, however, added fuel to the fire. The trade union federations now set higher targets, at least compared to the vague requests expressed previously.

They want the teachers’ entry-level wages above the economy-average salary, at the time, the wages scheme in the school is completely enforced, and they want this to be inked in a law passed by the authorities now. This means hiking the entry-level net wage by 80%, from EUR 500 to EUR 900.

They also want quicker enforcement of the wages scheme in schools, compared to the three-year calendar proposed by the government. Consequently, the pay raises provided on the spot should be steeper than those proposed by the government (18%-25%).

iulian@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Inquam Photos / Octav Ganea)