Greece’s kindergartens and elementary schools will be closed on Wednesday, October 23, due to a 24-hour strike declared by the Greek teachers’ union.
The union has expressed concerns that low salaries, the abolition of the Easter and Christmas bonuses, and poor working conditions for substitute teachers have made the teaching profession increasingly unattractive.
According to a report by To Vima, the union notes that teachers’ salaries have decreased by almost 60% in terms of purchasing power. With inflation continuing to rise, the starting salary remains at a low €776.
The union is demanding salary increases, the restoration of the 13th and 14th salaries (Easter and Christmas bonuses), and a return to the salary scales of 2016-2017.
Additionally, the sector seeks to sign a collective labor agreement to secure critical rights, in line with provisions outlined in the EU‘s minimum wage directive.
The report from To Vima quotes the union as saying, “We demand equal rights for permanent and substitute teachers. A 9-month parental leave for substitute teachers must be immediately established […] It is unacceptable for the rest of the school year to proceed with hundreds of class mergers and thousands of teacher vacancies remaining unfilled.”
