The pre-election period and existing geopolitical situation are not the best time for a teachers’ strike, said Latvian Minister of Education and Science Anita Muižniece in an interview to TV3 programme 900 seconds.
Looking at the talks that have commenced in the committee composed to reconcile the situation, Muižniece considers the steps taken by Latvian Education and Science Workers’ Union (LIZDA) and the Ministry of Education and Science as major, considering existing opportunities and the expected situation in the country.
The politician stressed that the last two years were spent by the education sector in a state of high stress.
Muižniece would rather avoid a strike entirely. However, currently it is not possible to say for certain, because both sides should reach a compromise.
If the strike does happen, parents will still have to go to work and teachers who do not go on strike will have more work.
«I don’t think now is the time [for a strike], considering the pre-election period. The other issue is the geopolitical situation,» said the minister.
«Our neighbouring country constantly reminds us and tries to form a narrative about Latvia as a failed state, that everything is bad. I think this is what they’re waiting for.»
There is also no progress with teachers pay increase schedule, because ‘as responsible politicians’ we don’t want to leave unfinished tasks without fiscal coverage to our successors, said the minister.
«We experienced this with Māris Kučinskis, which lest us with a schedule without planned funding. We all know how well the previous minister did,» said the politician.
At the first meeting of the reconciliation committee, participants failed to reach a compromise regarding teachers’ pay rise, said LIZDA manager Inga Vanaga.
According to Vanaga, the issue of wage increase is not a priority because this topic has been under discussions for years.
As for workload – Muižniece said the 60/40 ratio (60% for lessons and 40% for other duties) could serve as recommendation, not obligation. A mandatory 60/40 ratio would negatively affect several factors. For example, it could increase the number of vacant teaching spots at schools and other education facilities.
Both sides agree pre-school teachers have to be given the condition under which they can divert 10% of their workload towards lesson preparation.
Muižniece notes it is necessary to discuss this issue with representatives of municipal administrations. For the next meeting it is planned to prepare an estimate how high a workload pre-school teachers have.
Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Education will continue talks with Ministry of Finance and, possibly, Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš to see where the government could agree to a compromise.
Muižniece stresses that it would not be right for the ministry to give promises prior to elections without any guarantees that the new government will fulfil them.
Vanaga said it was the ministry’s inability to find a timely solution to multiple problematic issues is the reason why these problems have grown so large.
The next meeting of the reconciliation committee is scheduled for 5 September.
The indefinite strike of teachers in Latvia is set to begin on 19 September. LIZDA estimates the strike may end only once the government has satisfied two of the trade union’s main demands.
Also read: Latvian Education Ministry considers dropping budget spots; may offer co-payment