Romanian Teachers’ Unions Sign Agreement With Ed Ministry, Exams Go Ahead

Romania's four union federations representing employees in the education sector signed an agreement with the Education, Labor and Finance Ministries on Wednesday and suspended planned strikes, which they threaten to resume anytime if the government breaches the agreement.

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Education minister Ecaterina Andronescu told pupils who will take the Romanian language and literature exam to prepare for a “normal day” Thursday, as teachers’ unions signed an agreement with the ministry.

The agreement signed Wednesday has ten points, with the greatest emphasis on point one, which regards the resources allotted to the education system from the state budget, ensuring teachers’ salaries. The signatories are the Ministries of Education, Labor and Finance and the four education unions – FSLI, FEN, “Spiru Haret” and “Alma Mater”.

Point one states the resources allotted to the education sector will be provided by the Ministry of Public Finance, without affecting the level of salaries in 2009.

Point two stipulates that a commission to monitor the way expenses related to investment in education have been and will be made will be created in May, by order of the education minister.

Point three establishes the principles and calendar of the decentralization process.

Point four states the tenure is to be kept in the national education system and future education laws.

A further point regards the integration of a European-style hierarchy system of budget categories into the public sector unitary wage law. The Education Ministry will ensure teachers are placed as close to the top of the hierarchy as possible.

The agreement states the Education Ministry and its social partners will begin debating the laws on education on May 15.

Point eight ensures financing for the year 2008-2009 for the beneficiaries of the “Money for high school” scholarship.

The agreement’s final two points say union members will suspend the planned strike, but reserve the right to resume protesting if the terms of the agreement are not observed.

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