The Minister of Education, Daniel David, reacted on Tuesday to the grievances of the education unions, who are threatening to strike if the austerity measures are not abandoned or if he does not resign.
Minister of Education, Daniel David PHOTO Mediafax
“My interest is to have well-paid teachers, to have satisfied and happy teachers. It’s just that we all have to look at the current system and be part of the solution. I accept different opinions, I accept them, but I don’t agree with them. That doesn’t mean I have anything against teachers.”said the Minister of Education for the Truth.
Asked about the upcoming protests, Daniel David said he respects the unions’ right to demonstrate, but believes the course of action was wrong.
“The unions have their mission to protest and they are doing well, but I think they made two big mistakes. One mistake is related to the way they protested. The upsets are understandable, but the contents said did not show the society the image of the teacher as it should be, and we did ourselves a disservice with that.”he said.
“And two, I think they were quick to call for resignations. They know that these measures are not taken by the minister, they are taken in the coalition. They also brought the president into the discussion. I think these are attitudes of older union movements. This does not mean that they do not have the right to protest, but I think these two aspects are wrong.”the minister added.
Regarding the resignation request, Daniel David stated that his possible departure would not solve the systemic problems. “If my departure would have solved the budget problems, I would have left. A minister does not leave when the unions want. Too quickly we got to talking about resignations”he pointed out.
Asked if there is still a dialogue bridge with teachers, the minister said that, in reality, the system works and that teachers are aware of the importance of their role. “I think the understanding is there. Beyond what the union leaders say, the school is working, the teachers, the children are in school. The system understands what risk the country has exposed itself to”concluded Daniel David.
