In order to fulfil the demands of the Latvian teachers on strike, the government plans to allocate an additional amount of EUR 4.2 million, as confirmed by Minister of Education Anda Čakša.
This amount will be provided in addition to the already provided EUR 9 039 833. Funding will be used to raise wages of teachers whose pay is currently higher than the minimal amount.
Until yesterday Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) and the Ministry of Education and Science had opposing opinions as to whether or not the state has completed the demands from the last strike –
the ministry insisted demands have been completed, since there are plans to allocate funding in order to increase the lowest wage rates, whereas LIZDA insisted that an addition is necessary even for teachers that are already paid higher wages.
The source of funding to increase wages for college workers will be different. Money will not be taken from the funding amount already provided to higher education. Currently the source of this funding is not publicly known.
The head of LIZDA Inga Vanaga told the media that the ministry’s latest offer provides for completion of demands. However, the final assessment will be given only once the trade union has gone through the ministry’s provided estimates.
Previously it was reported that Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš may call an extraordinary meeting of the government on Wednesday, the 26th of April to approve the new agreement reached with LIZDA.
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