Five teachers and education employees’ unions will hold a joint demonstration on 3 June against the reform of the public education system, union officials announced last Tuesday.
The demonstration, between Jászai Mari tér (square) and Parliament, aims for the introduction of the new public education law to be postponed by one year, and for a 20 per cent wage increase for teachers from next January.
Union officials said the law, passed last December and due to come in force this 1 September, will put additional burden on teachers, lead to a reduction in staff and disadvantage children. They said no consultations with unions or professional bodies had been held during the law’s drafting, a situation that could be remedied if its application is delayed.
Piroska Galló, head of teachers’ union PSZ, said the provision to end compulsory schooling at age 16 instead of 18 means that several thousand teachers will lose their jobs.
Under the new teacher career model the remaining teachers will have to work more hours and face higher requirements to obtain higher pay, she added.
The unions also criticise provisions that will oblige children to attend kindergarten from age three and that introduce day-long education in primary schools.

Source: Budapest Times

Last Updated on Monday, 28 May 2012 09:24