“Of course, we are still evaluating the possibilities, but our first step could be bigger than our initial proposal – G. Jakštas told Žinių radio on Thursday.
Next year, the government intends to raise teachers‘ salaries in two stages – from January and from September, so that they reach 130%. the size of the country’s average salary, but the representatives of the pedagogues promising to strike want a more significant salary increase already in January.
On Tuesday, G. Jakštas did not receive support for the proposal to raise salaries by 20.5 percent in negotiations with trade unions: 6 percent from January, and the rest to be added in September. After talks with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyta and Finance Minister Gintaras Skaista, G. Jakštas promises to submit updated proposals to the Lithuanian Education and Science Professional Union (LŠMPS), which intends to strike, on Friday.
“As for the salary, apparently everyone wants it higher, but we have to understand that there really isn’t an infinite budget and we have certain limitations on what we rely on. I hope that (the trade union – BNS) will also understand the possibilities of the state. We listened to the demands of the trade unions, so we will have a better offer on Friday,” he said.
The minister previously said that about 300 million more will be needed to raise teachers’ salaries next year. euros, and changing the proportions by additionally increasing salaries by at least 1 percent. from January, it would cost the budget about 10 million. euros.
LŠMPS organized a warning strike last Friday, and on September 29 they plan to start the actual strike.
The head of the trade union, Andrius Navickas, said that their goal is a total of 56 percent. teacher salary growth.
This union is also calling for class sizes to be reduced. G. Jakštas says that it is “definitely impossible” to implement this requirement by immediately reducing classes throughout Lithuania.
“But (it is possible – BNS) to take the first steps in reducing, so that in some municipalities, where the infrastructure is not limited, there are no other restrictions, so that we can start moving in the direction of decreasing classes,” he said.
He also admitted that the dissatisfaction of pedagogues is fueled by the statements of some politicians, referring to the public statements of the conservative, member of the Vilnius municipal council and husband of the finance minister, Audrius Skaistis, criticizing the strike.
“I think it contributes to teacher dissatisfaction. I believe that it is the choice of teachers and unions to strike and we respect that choice. Every person, politician has his own opinion. I don’t think that opinion, sometimes expressed, helps us to reach an agreement with the trade unions, and it helps to improve the prestige of the teacher, or it helps the teachers to feel that they are valued enough. I think everyone should think responsibly before communicating, speaking, questioning the choices of teachers”, asserted G. Jakštas.
President Gitanas Nausėda said at the beginning of September that he misses the goodwill of talking to teachers who are planning to strike and says he is ready to take on the role of mediator.
Another Lithuanian education and science trade union does not exclude the possibility of a strike. The head of the latter, Egidijus Milešinas, claims that the salary increase proposed by the ministry is not satisfactory and that teachers’ salaries must increase by at least 10 percent from January.
On September 1, 2021, the leaders of the parliamentary parties signed a national agreement on education, in which, among other things, they undertook to increase the share of the gross domestic product allocated to education, to increase teachers’ salaries, and established other obligations.
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#Jakštas #starting #January #teachers #salaries #increased #faster #planned
**Interview with Gintaras Jakštas, Lithuanian Minister of Education and Science**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Jakštas. Can you start by telling us about the recent strike action taken by teachers in Lithuania?
**Gintaras Jakštas:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the Lithuanian Education Workers’ Trade Union, LŠDPS, resumed their strike on November 22nd with around 3,000 teachers walking off the job. This action underscores the urgent need for improved salaries and working conditions in our education system.
**Interviewer:** The striking teachers are demanding a significant salary increase. How do you propose to address their concerns?
**Gintaras Jakštas:** We are in ongoing negotiations, and while we proposed a phased salary increase—6% in January and an additional portion in September—we understand that this may not fully meet their demands. We are committed to finding a solution within the constraints of our budget.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on the government’s plan regarding teachers’ salaries for the coming year?
**Gintaras Jakštas:** Certainly. The government aims to increase teachers’ salaries to reach 130% of the average salary by September next year. However, the teachers are calling for a more immediate and substantial increase, which highlights the challenges in balancing budget limitations with the needs of our educators.
**Interviewer:** The union has also mentioned the need to reduce class sizes. What is the government’s stance on this?
**Gintaras Jakštas:** Reducing class sizes is a complex issue, especially given our current infrastructure. While I agree that we need to take steps towards this goal, it cannot happen overnight. We can look at implementing gradual changes in municipalities where it is feasible.
**Interviewer:** It seems there is a lot of dissatisfaction among teachers. Do you think that public statements from certain politicians have affected the situation?
**Gintaras Jakštas:** Yes, public sentiment does play a role. Some comments made by political figures may exacerbate dissatisfaction among educators. However, it’s important to respect the teachers’ right to strike and find a path forward that recognizes their concerns.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Minister Jakštas. It’s a challenging situation, and we hope for a resolution that benefits both teachers and students alike.
**Gintaras Jakštas:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this matter. We are committed to working together to achieve meaningful change in our education system.
