Teachers’ trade unions have taken a position – no changes, just give us more money, said Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš in an interview to LTV programme Rīta panorāma.
The PM said the objective of the efforts to reform the education system is making sure it serves youngsters the best, stressing that it is necessary to add changes and ensure quality education.
«Every time the topic of change comes up, most of the people actively involved oppose them fiercely, which is understandable in Latvia.
I believe teacher trade unions have taken a position: no changes, just give us more money. This is their approach, which, I believe, is fruitless,» said the PM.
He stressed that in order to allocate additional funding without changing anything in the system could be done by raising the VAT by a couple of percentage points. However, this could cause protests. Some are somewhat satisfied, but the majority of society are deeply dissatisfied, predicts the PM, stressing that he does not consider this an appropriate approach.
The second option would be dividing money, which means taking money away from someone. «Then please show where we should take the money away! From defence? In the current geopolitical situation? From pensioners? From doctors? From police officers?
Money collected in taxes does not disappear – it is mainly used to pay wages and benefits,» said Kariņš.
He stressed that, in order to resolve the situation, two things need to happen. The Ministry of Education and Science is working on a plan to improve the situation and benefit youngsters. Meanwhile, the budget positions that may not see sufficient tax collection are put on the government’s table. Once this happens, the government will be able to decide on dividing money towards priority sectors, including education.
The head of the government does not see how a strike from the teachers could help resolve the situation. A strike will not help generate more money. Kariņš said he has no plans to raise taxes even though it could easily resolve one problem. It would, however, create numerous other problems.
As previously reported, Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Workers (LIZDA) gave the government time until the 15th of March to approve regulations that ensure fulfilment of previously given promises. If this is not done, the trade union threatened with a nation-wide teachers’ strike.
According to LIZDA manager Inga Vanaga, the biggest problem at the moment is that the Ministry of Education and Science has proposed a wage increase and workload balancing schedule, but has not provided any precise funding amounts and sources.
Also read: Latvian trade union unsure the approved work pay increase plan includes all teachers