Latvian minister unable to say when teachers’ workload balancing model could be adopted

At the extraordinary meeting of Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Workers (LIZDA), Minister of Education and Science Anda Čakša mentioned in relation to the teachers’ workload balancing that she cannot say when the new method could be adopted in Latvia.
LIZDA chairperson Inga Vanaga reminded at the meeting that there were two equally important points – one on increasing the pay schedule for teachers for three years, which is currently in the process being fulfilled, and the other on balancing the workloads of teachers for three years. Although the balancing procedure has commenced, nothing is known how the workload will be balanced in 2024 and 2025.
LIZDA and the Ministry of Education and Science should have agreed on the model in May 2023, stresses Vanaga.
Vanaga believes IZM should stick to workload balancing that was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on the 18th of April 2023. LIZDA believes the new plan is worse. The ministry, on the other hand, is confident their new version is superior.

“We disagree that it is a step down. We are actually offering better conditions,” the minister said at the meeting.

She explained that the process continues. Parts of its being worked on and improved through communication with social partners. This helps find the best possible model. No specific date is known at the moment.
“Once we reach an agreement and once you agree with the model we offer, then there will be a date. I cannot give you a specific date,” said Čakša. At the same time, the minister said “there is no way to reach a good result if the two sides keep fighting like a dog and a cat”.
Čakša said the teachers who gathered for the meeting cannot control their emotions and maintain a constructive discussion, adding that during the meeting she was put in front of the class and shamed. LIZDA and Latvian Association of Local Governments say the minister’s plan lacks clarity.
LPS chairman Gints Kaminskis stressed that the ministry’s offer lacks a comprehensible explanation about “every digit” or any specific answers in general.
Minister of Education and Science Anda Čakša stressed through media representatives that the agreement reached in the last strike has been implemented. She added that work continues on balancing teachers’ workload. The ministry proposes a way to move towards a balanced workload. According to his way, the workload is to be balanced at 50:50 or 20 hours for the teaching process and 20 – for other responsibilities.
The trade union is of a different opinion – the proposal from IZM will make things worse and the real number of contact lessons will not go down. LIZDA chairperson Inga Vanaga claims the proposed changes affect the workload-balancing method. Vanaga accuses the ministry of not informing the trade union about the change of the method – LIZDA would have proposed a different offer to balance workloads.
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