The unions demand adequate funding for an "Educated Romania"

Education represents the future of a nation, even supported by those who do nothing to support it. Representatives of the "Spiru Haret" Federation of Education Unions believe that we need an Educated Romania, but for this, adequate funding is necessary. Additionally, the unionists conveyed to the government on the occasion of Education Day that through the decisions they will make, they will demonstrate whether they desire an "Educated Romania" or a "Failed Romania." UNESCO and Education International are sounding the alarm to address the shortage of teaching staff. In an open letter sent by the "Spiru Haret" Federation, it is stated: "Ladies and gentlemen politicians, in Romania, for over a decade, the number of young people choosing a teaching career has been decreasing. An objective analysis shows us an aging teaching staff, and at the beginning of each school year, we "discover' that we have more and more empty teaching positions. This year's strike in pre-university education, initiated by the representative trade unions at the sector level, demonstrated to everyone that dissatisfaction is widespread and that this cannot continue. After years of trying in every way to show that the educational system needs real investment and adequate human, financial, and material resources, we were forced to resort to an extreme form of protest. Only after the general strike, the parties in the governing coalition came up with a package of benefits for education employees: a salary increase starting in July 2023, career/educational bonuses granted in October, and, last but not least, the regulation of a new increase starting on January 1, 2024." The unionists have stated that this is not enough and that this year the Pre-university Education Law was passed in Parliament, and according to Article 134 of this law, "The funding of education expenses at the national pre-university and higher education system level, with all its components, represents annually a minimum of 15% of the consolidated general budget expenses." The unionists within the "Spiru Haret" Federation have affirmed that for an Educated Romania, adequate funding is required: "In a few days, as every year, discussions about next year's Budget will begin. Now, whether you are members of the Government or elected to Parliament, you will face the test of maturity. We want to see that you care about education and that you will not postpone this article, as has happened year after year with the text of Law no. 1/2011, which provided for the allocation of 6% of GDP for Education. Now you have the chance to show the whole country that Romanian education is indeed a national priority, and that you have understood the message sent by the over 250,000 employees who, for more than 3 weeks, have been on a general strike. We need an Educated Romania, but for this, we need adequate funding! Mr. President Klaus Iohannis, Mr. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, ladies and gentlemen MPs or members of the Government, the future of Romanian education depends on you. Through the decisions you will make in the coming period, you will show the entire country whether you want an "Educated Romania' or a "Failed Romania'." On the other hand, President Klaus Iohannis stated on Education Day that the role of the teaching profession in building a strong nation is essential, and investment in knowledge remains the only option for a better future.