Four teachers’ unions in Sao Tome announced this Sunday that they will continue their strike for an indefinite period until the government presents solutions to improve the financial situation of all teachers.
“As of Monday, we continue the strike because we are interested in achieving a favorable solution, both for the government and for us,” said Vera Lomba, president of the Union of Teachers and Educators of Sao Tome and Principe (SINPRESTEP).
The union leader, who spoke accompanied by the presidents of three other unions, stressed that “the timing will be determined by the outcome of the negotiations” in light of the proposals that will be presented by the executive.
On Friday, the Sao Tome government deplored a general strike called by teachers early in the morning that paralyzed all schools in the archipelago, and demanded an increase in the basic salary from 2,500 to 10,000, from about 100 to 400 euros.
Finance Minister Ginesio da Mata has warned that he will not raise wages in any sector of the public service in 2024 due to obligations to the International Monetary Fund and that the decision has been communicated to Union Centrals since November last year.
Union leaders said this Sunday that they had not received this information, which should be “provided through specific channels to all unions,” acknowledging that since there is no possibility of increasing basic wages, subsidies and other financial compensation must be improved.
“We need a measure that will allow us to truly lead a decent life. […] We are still negotiating until we can reach a final agreement that can calm the class, give some dignity, and also bring peace and quality to the school space,” stressed the President of the Independent Teachers Union (SINPROF), Clementino Goode Death. .
Education Minister Isabelle D’Abreu stressed that teachers’ demands were “subject to immediate consideration”, given that of the 22 items on the list of demands presented in early December, 17 had been resolved, especially teacher promotions. who have been there for 15 years in the system.
However, trade unions believe that the government has not provided a solution to their main demand – higher wages.
“Teachers cannot leave home and go to work with dignity with the salary they have. We know that there are delays in the payment of transport allowances, overtime and some bonuses that are not being paid,” said Clementino Boa Morte, stressing that there are “several situations that do not allow for harmony and motivation for teachers to go to work.”
“Currently there is a delay in the payment of salaries to teachers, about six months, including retired teachers hired. There is dissatisfaction at almost all levels, and the ministry must address these issues,” added the trade union leader. .
Clementino Boa Morte emphasized that “the fight is for the dignity of the class, so all teachers in Sao Tome and Principe are united.”
“In the conditions in which we are going to work, it is impossible to guarantee education [de qualidade] children of Sao Tome and Principe, and our strike is aimed precisely at creating conditions so that teachers can work, teach, and students can also go to school and study, because everyone knows that education is deteriorating – from from year to year,” said the trade union leader.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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