The union of secondary education teachers OLME is preparing for an “all-out war” with the government, by discussing a proposal for a long-term strike at the start of the new academic year, which is scheduled to start on the 11th of September.
The Ministry of Education has not yet fixed the timetables of school teachers, after the dramatic changes brought on by the suspension and mobility schemes. A number of changes which are scheduled to be implemented have not yet been voted in parliament, further complicating the situation.
The main point of conflict is the chaos created by the dismissal and transfer of thousands of teachers. OLME estimates that there will be about 16,000 teachers less available this year, due to dismissals/suspension and retirements. Dramatic budget cuts are also expected to have an impact on academic scheduling.
Teachers claim that subjects such as music and art are heavily restricted, while even more mainstream subjects, such as Ancient Greek and IT, are also expected to suffer from the projected changes to academic staff. Despite the polemic and speak of long-term action, a growing number of teachers fear the prospect and doubt the effectiveness of such a strike, as it might jeopardize their wages.
OLME is condemning “the abolition of IT in middle school, the downgrading of artistic education, abolition of the IT section and the induction of apprenticeship in the vocational school curriculum”, fearing that schools will become a source of easily-disposable cheap labor for businesses. The teacher union objects to the Ministry’s proposed changes to the exam system, which will downgrade the role of high school.
