There is a pause on the issue of improving working conditions for teachers. Silinya also joined in

The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and the Latvian Union of Education and Science Workers (LPRON) must submit calculations within two weeks that will confirm whether the ministry’s proposal to balance the workload of teachers will improve their working conditions, Prime Minister Evika Silina said following a meeting with the union and the ministry.

According to the Prime Minister, it is the difference in the initial data that makes it difficult to understand what the solution might be. After familiarizing yourself with the data provided by the Ministry of Education and Science and LPRON, it may become clearer how to move forward. It is also necessary to understand what this decision will mean for local governments.

“I certainly cannot agree to promote something that will lead to a situation where more teachers are needed […] or when in the end we formally do something, but teachers will still have to work more,” the prime minister said.

LPRON and the Ministry of Education and Science should have agreed on a balanced load model back in May last year. Silinya did not predict how long it would take the parties to reach a solution. She noted that “a lot has changed” during the strike agreement.

LPRON Chairman Inga Vanaga agreed that the socio-economic and geopolitical situation cannot be ignored, but at the same time, the situation of teachers cannot be worsened.

To improve the prestige of the teaching profession, the issue of vacancies and overload must be resolved “at least halfway,” Vanaga said.