Current Situation in Serbian Schools
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Loading... - Arturo Ortiz
- 06 Feb 2025
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The educational landscape in Serbia has been marked by significant turmoil as the first semester ended abruptly, and the second semester began under chaotic conditions. The situation has been characterized by a mix of school closures and partial class suspensions, with varying reports on the exact number of affected schools and teachers.
Disruptions and Protests
As of late January, many schools, particularly in Belgrade and other cities like Subotica, Užice, and Sombor, have suspended classes in solidarity with teachers protesting for better working conditions and salaries. The situation was further complicated by the celebration of Saint Sava’s Day on January 27, during which no lessons were held. Teachers have indicated that they will continue work stoppages until their demands are met, which include better pay and respect for the teaching profession.
Ana Dimitrijević from the Forum of Belgrade Grammar Schools stated that they are aware of the legal implications of their actions but are willing to face the consequences, emphasizing that the issues at stake are more important than a day’s wage.
Teacher and Student Demands
Teachers in Serbia have been expressing dissatisfaction with their salaries and overall status in society for months. The latest protests erupted following an agreement between representative unions and the Serbian government at the beginning of the year. In addition to demanding better working conditions, some teachers are supporting students who have been blocking universities for nearly two months. The students are primarily demanding accountability for the tragic collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad on November 1, which resulted in 15 fatalities.
The Ministry of Education has claimed that 97% of schools are operating normally, but union representatives contest this, citing that a significant percentage of secondary and primary schools were closed on January 24. According to data from the NGO CRTA, 68% of secondary schools and 48% of primary schools across Serbia were not operating on that day.
Government Response and Salary Issues
In response to the ongoing protests, the Ministry of Education has announced the possibility of cutting the January salaries of employees who participated in the strike. Education Minister Slavica Đukić Dejanović has stated that school blockades are not legally permitted and that participants must be aware of the consequences.
The protests have been ongoing since September 2024, with teachers shortening lesson times and suspending classes as negotiations with the government have repeatedly stalled. The unions are demanding that the starting salary for teachers be equal to the national average, which currently falls short by about 10,000 dinars. The government has proposed a gradual increase in salaries, with plans to amend salary regulations to meet these demands by October 2025.
Union Negotiations
The protests and negotiations have been led by several representative trade unions, including the Union of Education Workers of Serbia and the Education Trade Union of Serbia. These unions have been instrumental in advocating for teachers' rights and negotiating with the government. The representative status of these unions allows them to negotiate collective agreements and improve employee rights.
Despite the government's proposals, many teachers and union leaders remain skeptical about the commitment to fulfilling these promises. The Forum of Belgrade Grammar Schools and other unions have rejected the government's proposals, arguing that they do not adequately address the disparities in teacher salaries.
The situation in Serbian schools remains fluid, with ongoing protests and negotiations reflecting deep-seated issues within the education system. Teachers are demanding not only better pay but also respect for their profession and accountability for recent tragedies. As the second semester unfolds, the resolution of these issues will be crucial for the stability of the educational environment in Serbia. The outcome of negotiations and the government's response to the protests will significantly impact the future of education in the country.
