Teachers in Bulgaria ready to go on strike, demand pay rise

77 per cent of those employed in Bulgaria's secondary education system are ready to go out on strike demanding a pay rise in the sector, according to a national survey by Podkrepa trade union. Half of those surveyed are in favour of a nation-wide eff

By: bnr.bg

Nov 21 2024
40
3753 Views

Teachers in Bulgaria ready to

77 per cent of those employed in Bulgaria's secondary education system are ready to go out on strike demanding a pay rise in the sector, according to a national survey by Podkrepa trade union. Half of those surveyed are in favour of a nation-wide effective strike, around 25 per cent favour national and regional rallies, and over 20 per cent favour a failure to complete the first term of the school year.

Teachers are demanding a 21% pay rise, which would guarantee them 125% above the national average gross wage, Yuliyan Petrov, chairman of the Education trade union at the Podkrepa trade union, told BNR.

Union demands 15% pay rise for teachers to attract men into education

"A young teacher currently receives a salary of BGN 1,445 (€738.8), which is indicative that even if young people become teachers, they will not stay with the numerous duties," the trade unionist said.

Thus, if salaries are not increased, the average age in the Bulgarian education system - currently over 52 - will rise even further.