On Thursday, 16 June, Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) organised a picket outside the Saeima building.
Approximately 3 000 participants gathered for the picket.
After meeting with Minister of Education and Science Anita Muižniece, LIZDA leader Inga Vanaga said the ministry did not yield to a single demand of Latvian teachers.
Vanaga added that in the next three years teachers in Latvia will continue receiving wages that are in breach of guidelines for education development. On top of that, in the next four years teachers in Latvia will remain overworked.
LIZDA plans to hold a meeting on 20 June to discuss future steps.
Vanaga said on Thursday the time has come for a balanced workload for teachers and fair pay.
After Vanage’s speech, many protesters started loudly demanding dismissal for Latvia’s Minister of Education.
People who gathered outside the Saeima included representatives from many Latvian regions, including Cēsis, Talsi, Daugavpils, Rēzekne, Bauska, Dobele and others.
Participants rang little bells and chanted slogans like «Reasonable workload!» and «[Saeima] deputies’ wages!».
Several dozen posters with job offers in different schools around Latvia were pinned where the picket was taking place.
Protesters also brought different posters, requesting a workload under which 40% of it is reserved for lesson preparations.
As previously reported, the three main demands of the picket were balanced workload, coordination of wages in accordance with the schedule in line with the Law on Education, as well as fair distribution of financing for municipalities with an organised school network and large number of students.
LIZDA leader Vanaga stressed that the education system in Latvia is on the brink of collapse, and soon it is possible there won’t be anyone left to teach children. This will result in a significant impact on the quality of education in Latvia.