Serbia's Teachers Strike and Take to the Streets to Demand Higher Wages
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Loading... - Daan Dekker
- 04 Nov 2024
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On Friday, classrooms across Serbia faced disruptions as teachers took to the streets to protest for higher wages, leading to the cancellation or shortening of classes in many schools. The protests, organized by teachers' unions, highlighted the grievances of educators who feel underpaid compared to other public sector workers and are increasingly concerned about deteriorating working conditions, including incidents of violence in schools.
In Belgrade, scores of teachers rallied in front of the parliament, voicing their frustrations. Ana Dimitrijevic, a union activist, expressed the sentiment of many, stating, "The state which has such an attitude to education is an unsuccessful state which ... cannot progress in any way." This statement underscores the belief among educators that adequate investment in education is crucial for the country's future.
The Serbian Ministry of Education reported that approximately half of the schools operated normally on Friday, while the rest either shortened or canceled classes due to the strike. The unions are demanding that the starting wage for teachers across the education sector be aligned with the national average monthly salary, which is around 97,000 dinars (approximately $900).
In response to the protests, the Serbian government has proposed an 11% wage increase for teachers, effective January, along with a one-time payment of 15,000 dinars. However, unions have deemed this offer insufficient and have rejected it outright. Education Minister Slavica Djukic Dejanovic urged the unions to reconsider the government's proposal, suggesting that discussions regarding higher wages should continue into January. "If teachers believe that taking to the streets... and stopping work are ways to resolve things, they are mistaken," she stated to reporters.
Despite the government's stance, teachers have warned that they will persist with their strike actions, continuing to shorten classes until their demands are met. The situation reflects broader concerns about the state of education in Serbia and the need for better support and resources for teachers.
In the context of Serbia's economic landscape, the parliament recently revised the 2024 budget, targeting a deficit of 2.9% of GDP, an increase from the previously planned 2.2%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Serbia's economy will grow by 3.9% in 2024, up from an earlier estimate of 3.5%. However, the ongoing strike and the demands of teachers highlight the challenges that the government faces in balancing economic growth with the need for adequate funding for public services, particularly education.
As the strike continues, the future of Serbia's education system hangs in the balance, with teachers advocating for the recognition and support they believe is essential for both their profession and the students they serve.
