Drucker: Demands for Better Teachers' Salaries Legitimate

Bratislava, November 8 (TASR) - Demands for better teacher salaries are legitimate and are the subject of constructive dialogue, however, the resources of the Education Ministry do not currently allow for the valorisation in the form proposed by the Trade Union of Workers in Education and Science of Slovakia, stated Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) on Friday. He explained that due to consolidation measures, the ministry lacks resources to support the proposed salary indexation. "We continue to discuss options with [the union] and will continue to do so early next week," the minister stressed. Drucker confirmed that one of the options discussed was to explore internal savings, such as using some of the funds earmarked for the compensation allowance or for assistant funding. However, the minister said that he didn't consider either of these options to be a viable option. The Trade Union sent a letter to government representatives last week to initiate negotiations for a pay rise. Its argument centered on the need to boost teachers' motivation through better financial compensation. The union highlighted that low salaries are a key reason for the lack of interest in the teaching profession. It was is also critical of the pay for non-teaching staff, emphasising that schools cannot function without these workers. Even though the union said it's hopeful for a satisfactory resolution, it didn't rule out protests if an agreement is not reached. As a last resort, it claimed it's considering a strike. tl/zel