A protest organized by the Croatian Teachers’ Union (SHU), the third in a row in front of the Ministry of Science and Education, was held again on Thursday with a demand for the signing of a new collective agreement because, as the protesters claim, the Ministry of Science and Education has not yet responded to their demands, nor has it secured funds for concluding a better collective agreement.
SHU President Sanja Šprem told around 1000 union members that they want a new collective agreement, for which the government must secure funds because teachers deserve more.
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“If funds are not found, there will be no social peace, because it also has its price,” emphasized Šprem at the gathering in front of the Ministry.
She announced the next protest at Mark’s Square, as SHU is ready to fight for its membership until it achieves fair compensation for work. “We are aware, but not socially unaware, we hold to promises and expect the Ministry to fulfill them,” emphasized Šprem.
SHU General Secretary Ana Tuškan said that the Ministry deserves a grade of one for commitment and activity, and that teachers, as the bearers of education without which there is no Croatia, deserve to be adequately paid. “Show us that we are worth it, we know it, and you know it too,” Tuškan said.
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At the gathering, union representatives from various parts of Croatia spoke, carrying banners and whistling at the mention of unfulfilled promises. The possibility of a strike was also mentioned if a satisfactory collective agreement is not reached.
Minister of Science and Education Blaženka Divjak said on Thursday that all material rights for teachers have been retained in negotiations with SHU and secondary school unions, and that all disputes should be resolved by Easter.
Reflecting on the protest that has been held for the third Thursday in a row, Divjak emphasized that the protest is a legitimate right, although she personally sees no reason for it.
Divjak: All material rights for teachers retained, everything resolved by Easter
Minister of Science and Education Blaženka Divjak said on Thursday that all material rights for teachers have been retained in negotiations with the Croatian Teachers’ Union and secondary school unions and that everything should be resolved by Easter.
Reflecting on the protest that the Croatian Teachers’ Union has been holding for the third Thursday in a row in front of the Ministry building, Divjak emphasized that the protest is a legitimate right, although she personally sees no reason for it.
“We have talked and negotiated with the Croatian Teachers’ Union and with secondary school unions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Practically all material and non-material rights have been retained. Now, one or two issues still need to be resolved so that everything comes to an end,” said the minister in front of the Banski Dvori.
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She emphasized that everything should be resolved before Easter, after which the planned procedure in the union bodies and the government follows.
“All material rights have been retained, there are no problems there. There are still questions about some non-material rights that are important to teachers, and I am sure that we do not have major problems there and that we will resolve that too,” concluded Divjak.
The Croatian Teachers’ Union organized a protest in front of the Ministry of Science and Education accusing the ministry of delaying negotiations and that it has not yet responded to their demands nor secured funds for concluding a better collective agreement.
