The Minister of Education Dariusz Piontkowski said on Monday in Białystok that he hoped for the school year to start with no problems in September. The minister took part in the education round-table talks in Podlasie region.
"I'm sure that in the beginning of September, the classes in Polish schools will take place as planned, and the teacher and students will return to schools after, I hope, nice and happy summer holidays. I also hope that most of the teachers will not see a reason to go on strike. I would like to once again declare that the Polish government wants to increase spending on teachers' salaries," Piontkowski said at a press conference.
With these words he referred to the announcement made on Monday by the head of the Polish Teachers' Union, Sławomir Broniarz, who said that after consultations and poll planned between 1 and 15 of September, a decision regarding potential industrial action would follow on September 16.
"If Mr Broniarz plans to hold consulatations, it means that he himself isn't sure if the strike should be organised at all, or if it would gain support among the teachers. If he was sure that the majority of teachers want to protest, than he would announce without hesitation that there will be a strike in early September," said the education minister.
He stressed that the government wants to discuss the future of Polish education and that's what the round-table talks are for. "We also want to increase spending on Polish education. That's why today I don't really see a reason for a strike. I'd prefer for us to try to solve our disputes in a discussion, and I strongly encourage Mr Broniarz to do so," Piontkowski said.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: tvn24