The Lithuanian Education Workers’ Union (LŠDPS) is planning to continue its strike until the parliament, Seimas, adopts next year’s government budget.
“Until the Seimas makes its decision, we think it will be appropriate to strike,” union leader Andrius Navickas said on Thursday on LRT TV’s Dienas Tema (Topic of the Day) programme.
Several teachers’ unions called a strike in late September. While four other unions agreed to sign a collective agreement with the government last month, the LŠDPS is planning to resume the strike next week.
According to Navickas, it is not clear whether the strike will continue next year if the demands are not met.
“Whether we will continue the strikes and strike waves after the New Year, perhaps during the exam sessions – there are considerations, there are suggestions from teachers. I don’t know if we will do that,” Navickas said.
However, the union leader stresses that the government’s position is “pushing [teachers] to do that”.
The government is proposing in next year’s budget bill to increase teachers’ salaries in two stages: 10 percent from January, and a similar proportion from September. The agreement will require additional 387 million euros.
The LŠDPS demands raises of 15 percent in January and in September. The Ministry of Education insists that it does not have the means to raise teachers’ salaries faster.
“There will be no more money for salaries,” said Minister Gintautas Jakštas.
Four other education unions signed a collective agreement with the Education Ministry last month. They also agreed to draw up a plan by May on how teachers’ pay will be raised after 2024.
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