What does the Government propose?
After the latest round of negotiations with the trade unions, Minister of Education, Science and Sports Gintautas Jakštas proposed to raise salaries by 21% next year, including 10%. – from January, not less than 10 percent. – from September.
The minister also agreed with the trade unions to reduce classes from next September. Municipalities could reduce the maximum class size from 30 to 26 students in basic education, from 24 to 22 students in primary education.
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Photo by Irmantos Gelūnos/BNS/Minister Gintautas Jakštas visited the striking teachers
Also, G. Jakštas announced that by the end of the year, it is planned to carry out an analysis of teachers’ workload, in order to adjust the methodology for calculating teacher’s workload and working hours.
The Lithuanian Education Workers Trade Union (LŠDPS) announced that it is not satisfied with such proposals.
The government is committed that teachers’ salaries must reach 130% next year. of the national salary average.
What do trade unions stand for?
LŠDPS demands that teachers’ salaries be increased by 20 percent from this September, by another 30 percent from January of next year, and also that the number of students in classes be reduced.
Another large trade union of teachers – the Lithuanian Education and Science Trade Union (LŠMPS), led by Egidijus Milešinas, decided to extend the negotiations with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports (ŠMSM) on Thursday, to make a decision on the strike that day.
Julius Kalinskas / 15min photo/Egidijus Milešinas
According to him, it is expected to agree with the ministry that the salary for teachers would be increased not only next year.
“Our goal is that in 2025, 2026 and in the future the whole movement will be forward,” said the head of the trade union.
It is not yet clear how many will strike
LŠDPS chairman Andrius Navickas says that there is no other option than to strike: “Unfortunately, the situation is developing in such a way that manipulation, discrediting of teachers and the inability to find constructive compromises are the main means of politicians trying to resolve the conflict situation.”
Lukas Balandis/BNS photo/Andrius Navickas
According to A.Navickas, how many teachers will strike and in which part of the educational institutions the strike will take place, will be known the day before. The trade union he leads promises to compensate teachers for lost wages during the strike.
What will happen in Vilnius?
Rallies of striking teachers in Vilnius would be held on V. Kudirka Square (near the Government House) every day from September 29 to October 28. Up to 2 thousand people could participate in them. people. Previously, the trade union of A. Navickas intended to organize meetings at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports and the Seimas.
The teachers also intend to set up tents near the Government, where they plan to spend the night. And during the days in S. Kudirka Square, they intend to organize rallies and improvised lessons.
Will go to Vilnius on foot
The determination of some teachers to strike is also supported by the Lithuanian School Students’ Union. She invites students and others to join the walk “Only those who walk can overcome the road” together with the teachers who are determined to strike. The participants of this trip intend to reach Vilnius on foot from Klaipėda and other cities.
This will not be a march that would require the introduction of traffic restrictions – all persons participating in the march should travel individually in compliance with the Road Traffic Rules.
The participants of the hike intend to cover about 15 kilometers every day, they plan to spend the night in schools, community houses or other places that meet hygiene standards. Their possessions will be transported.
The participants who live farthest from the capital will be the first to move – as they move, others who have registered for the procession will join.
Lilija Bručkienė, a well-known Lithuanian language and literature teacher working in Klaipėda, announces on her Facebook account that on Friday she contributes to the campaign and leaves Klaipėda for Vilnius on foot.
Vidmantas Balkūnos / 15min photo./Lilija Bručkienė
“(…) I can’t act otherwise – disrespect, manipulation, demagoguery, opposition of citizens have so tainted and disfigured the ministry and top-level politicians that it would be absolutely wrong to pretend that everything is fine and just continue working as a teacher. It is angry, painful and disappointing that those who have the power to make decisions “take care” of the present and future of education with only words and not decisions. I hope that the path will be meaningful through the conversations of comrades, meetings with the communities of the towns where we will sleep,” she writes.
A. Navickas told lrt.lt that teachers and students will go to Vilnius from Alytus, Anykščiai, Elektrėnai, Kaišiadorių, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šilutė, Tauragė and other cities. He will travel from Zarasai himself.
in 2018 the strike lasted more than a month, the teachers lived in the ministry
The previous strike organized by A. Navick’s trade union against the Government of Saulius Skvernelis ended successfully. The strike began on November 12 and largely ended on December 19, although a small number of teachers continued to strike for a few more days.
During the strike, unable to find a common language with its organizers, the Minister of Education and Science Jurgita Petrauskienė was dismissed from the post of Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis, and the Government made concessions to teachers. In response to teachers’ demands, the full-time payment model was improved.
Teachers not only held rallies and protest actions, but also occupied the Ministry of Education and Science, where they lived and negotiated with government officials for more than two weeks.
At that time, the demands of the striking teachers were supported by the current governing conservatives.
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Interview with Gintautas Jakštas, Minister of Education, Science, and Sports
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Jakštas. Let’s start with the recent proposals made to the trade unions regarding teachers’ salaries and class sizes. Can you summarize what was proposed?
Gintautas Jakštas: Of course. After engaging in negotiations with the trade unions, I proposed a 21% salary increase for teachers next year. This includes an immediate 10% raise starting in January and an additional 10% increase in September. We are also committed to reducing class sizes, specifically lowering the maximum from 30 to 26 students in basic education and from 24 to 22 in primary education.
Editor: The Lithuanian Education Workers Trade Union has expressed dissatisfaction with these proposals. What are your thoughts on their response?
Gintautas Jakštas: I understand the concerns raised by the trade unions. They are advocating for a more immediate and substantial raise than what we’ve proposed, which includes a 20% increase this September and an additional 30% in January. While I appreciate their priorities, we must work within the constraints of our budget and aim for a sustainable increase for the long term.
Editor: There’s talk about a potential strike among teachers. How do you see this affecting the education system and ongoing negotiations?
Gintautas Jakštas: A strike would undoubtedly complicate matters further. It signals a breakdown in communication between the government and teachers, which we must avoid. I believe that constructive dialogue is essential. We are committed to reviewing teachers’ workloads and adjusting their working hours by the end of the year, which is a step towards addressing their concerns.
Editor: Could you elaborate on the upcoming analysis of teachers’ workloads? Why is this important?
Gintautas Jakštas: Analyzing teachers’ workloads is crucial for understanding the reality of their day-to-day responsibilities. By adjusting the methodology for calculating their workload, we can ensure that teachers are not overburdened and help improve the educational environment for both educators and students.
Editor: Lastly, with the planned demonstrations in Vilnius, what is your message to the teachers and community members participating in these actions?
Gintautas Jakštas: My message is that we value the dedication of our teachers and their commitment to education. I encourage them to share their concerns in constructive ways. We are listening, and together we can find solutions that prioritize both fair compensation for educators and the quality of education for our students. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open and focused on collaboration rather than confrontation.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Minister Jakštas. We hope to see progress in these negotiations soon.
Her workload by the end of the year and adjusting our approaches accordingly. It’s important for both sides to remain engaged in dialogue to find common ground and approach this challenge collaboratively.
Editor: Speaking of dialogue, what steps are being taken to ensure that teachers’ voices are heard in these discussions?
Gintautas Jakštas: We are maintaining open channels of communication with the trade unions. In fact, we have accepted requests to further analyze workload and teaching hours, which will help us understand teachers’ needs better. Our goal is always to support our educators while also ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of education in Lithuania?
Gintautas Jakštas: I envision a system where teachers feel valued through competitive salaries and manageable workloads, leading to improved educational outcomes for our students. It’s vital that we work towards a sustainable future together, so our educators can concentrate on what they do best—teaching.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Jakštas, for your insights on these crucial matters affecting our education system.
Gintautas Jakštas: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep the conversation going.
