Tensions in education: unions announce protests

The Ministry of Education and Research reacted on Saturday to the public statements of the three major trade union federations in education, expressing its availability for dialogue and clarification of grievances. The institution has invited union representatives to an official meeting to be held today. The ministry indicates that the reasons invoked by the unions are "at this stage, a mixture of relevant aspects and rumors or erroneous interpretations”. Officials emphasize that many of the unions' demands - such as strengthening the status of teachers - are objectives assumed since the beginning of the mandate by Minister Daniel David.

• Unions announce protests in education and research

The three major trade union organizations - the Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education (FSLI), the Federation of Trade Unions in Education "Spiru Haret” and the National Trade Union Federation "Alma Mater” - have announced protest actions for Wednesday, June 18, in all forms of education, from schools and universities to research institutes and university libraries. Union members will wear distinctive signs, such as armbands or badges, during their work activities. Trade unionists express their "total disagreement” with the information circulated in the public space, allegedly originating from a working group from Cotroceni, which would target restrictive budgetary measures against education employees, in the context of reducing the budget deficit. Major grievances: teaching quota, vouchers, tenure status

Among the measures criticized by the unions are: Increasing teaching quota: Considered an "irresponsible” decision, given that teaching staff are already overburdened with educational, administrative and training activities. Limiting access to benefits: Lowering the salary threshold for granting vacation vouchers and food allowance would exclude a considerable part of employees from the system, especially those at the beginning of their careers, auxiliary and administrative staff. Changing tenure status: Possible changes regarding tenure and the imposition of a fixed 8-hour daily schedule in schools have generated "unrest and revolt” among teachers.

• Universities, open to compromise

In a separate note, the National Council of Rectors, through its president Sorin Cîmpeanu, conveyed that a possible temporary increase in the teaching norm in higher education, by two hours, could be accepted as a gesture of solidarity, provided that current salary rights are maintained: "In the current socio-economic context, the National Council of Rectors, in full consensus, considers that a solidarity measure that could be accepted by the academic community could be the temporary increase in the teaching norm in higher education, by two hours, while maintaining current salary rights." The rectors recognize the budgetary difficulties, but advocate for balanced measures that do not affect the quality of the educational act. In parallel, the interim president of the PNL, Ilie Bolojan, confirmed that "unpopular but necessary" budget correction measures will be adopted to reduce the public deficit. These measures are to be determined following discussions within the governing coalition, which should be completed next week.

The tensions in the education system reflect a persistent imbalance between the demands of budgetary efficiency and the need for real recognition and support for teachers. It remains to be seen whether dialogue will succeed in defuse the conflict or whether the protests will turn into a generalized mobilization in education, as union leaders warn.