“An agreement is possible. This is probably proven by the fact that an agreement has been signed with four trade unions, which means that it is possible in principle. But an agreement is hardly possible when one side does not hear arguments and says that it will be either this way or nothing else,” I.Šimonytė told reporters in Rukla on Thursday.
As the trade union of Lithuanian education workers (LŠDPS) headed by Andriaus Navickos continues the strike since last week, the prime minister thanked the trade unions that reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports (ŠMSM) regarding the increase in wages.
“I am very grateful that those trade unions that listened to the arguments, even though they are now accused of allegedly not representing teachers, still understand that there are certain limits to what the Government can do in a specific budget year. This increase may seem very small to some, 10%, think about it, a rainbow, not some, it is 330 million. euros in one year”, said the Prime Minister.
The government proposes to raise salaries for teachers next year in two stages: from January – 10%, and from September – so much so that the average teacher’s salary reaches 130%. average national wage.
The LŠDPS led by A.Navickas does not agree with such an increase and after several negotiation meetings with the Minister of Education, Science and Sports G.Jakštus, they did not find an agreement.
The Minister of Education has repeatedly confirmed that there are no more financial opportunities to raise teachers’ salaries than proposed, and negotiations are possible only for other demands made by the trade union.
A.Navicks initially announced that he wanted teachers’ salaries to grow by 56 percent, this demand was later reduced by the trade union to 46 percent. On Wednesday evening, regarding this demand, the trade union claims to have proposed another compromise, but did not elaborate on it.
Four more trade unions uniting employees of the education sector, among them the Lithuanian Education and Science Trade Union led by Egidijus Milešinas, agreed last Thursday to prepare a plan by May of next year, how the wages of teachers will be increased after 2024.
On Monday, E. Milešin’s trade union made a decision to sign the renewed collective agreement of the branch and announced that they are abandoning the strike plans.
Demanding better working conditions for teachers, more than 2 thousand pedagogues started a strike last Friday, it is currently planned to continue until October 28.
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Analysis: Lithuania’s Teachers’ Strike – A Test of Government and Union Resolve
A recent standoff between the Lithuanian government and the country’s teachers’ union, LŠDPS, has shed light on the deep-seated issues plaguing the nation’s education system. The strike, which began on September 29, 2023 [[1]], has entered its second month, with both sides dug in on their demands.
On one hand, the government has proposed a two-stage wage increase for teachers, with a 10% raise in January and another increment in September to bring the average teacher’s salary to 130% of the national average[[2]]. While Prime Minister I.Šimonytė hailed this offer as a significant concession, the LŠDPS leadership, led by Andriaus Navickas, remains unimpressed.
The union’s dissatisfaction stems from its desire for more substantial wage increases, which it argues are necessary to address the long-standing issue of low teacher pay in Lithuania. The LŠDPS has not hesitated to take to the streets, mobilizing thousands of teachers to join the strike.
The government’s response has been mixed. While Prime Minister Šimonytė has expressed gratitude towards the four trade unions that have agreed to the proposed wage increase[[2]], she has also been critical of the LŠDPS for its allegedly inflexible negotiating stance.
In a statement reported by the media, the Prime Minister noted that an agreement was possible in principle, citing the successful negotiations with four other trade unions [[3]]. However, she also lamented that the LŠDPS seemed unwilling to listen to arguments, preferring instead to take a hardline stance.
The strike has already had a significant impact on the country’s education sector. According to reports, around 2,000 teachers were on strike at the end of November [[2]], forcing many schools to close or significantly curtail their operations.
The situation remains fluid, with the LŠDPS having suspended its strike in November pending the adoption of the state budget [[3]]. However, with the union having resumed its strike in December [[2]], it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached in the near future.
Ultimately, the Lithuanian teachers’ strike serves as a microcosm for the broader issues facing the country’s education system. Low teacher pay, inadequate funding, and bureaucratic inefficiencies have long plagued the sector, leading to widespread discontent among educators and students alike.
For the government, finding a solution to this crisis will require more than just token concessions. It will necessitate a fundamental rethinking of the country’s education priorities, including a commitment to increasing funding and addressing the systemic issues that have led to the current impasse.
As the strike continues, the eyes of the nation will be fixed on the government and the LŠDPS, hoping that a mutually beneficial solution can be found.
References:
[[1]]- Lithuania: Teachers plan indefinite nationwide strike – https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/09/lithuania-teachers-plan-indefinite-nationwide-strike-protests-from-sept-29
[[2]]- Teachers’ union resumes strike as Lithuanian parliament – https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2141454/teachers-union-resumes-strike-as-lithuanian-parliament-set-to-vote-on-spending-bill
[[3]]- Teachers’ union suspends strike in Lithuania until budget – https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2135240/teachers-union-suspends-strike-in-lithuania-until-budget-adoption