Teachers' demands for higher pay are supported by 45 per cent of parents, but they are categorically against the strike announced by the teachers for September 24.

The majority of parents thought the demanded increase in salaries could be achieved gradually, instead of at once, research by Alfa research showed as quoted by Za Grada.

Of the teachers, 78 per cent was in favour of the strike, while only 21 per cent supported the largest Bulgarian Teachers Union lead by Yanka Takeva.

Teachers did not show their best side, said 50 per cent of parents. They were afraid of an escalating conflict and preferred balanced negotiations leading to gradually increasing salaries for teachers, related to the quality of education, the research showed.

Majority of parents and teachers were in favour of differentiated salaries. However 40 per cent of teachers was against additional stimuli like qualification and prestige of the school. Of parents, 59 per cent were against a sudden rise in salary of all teachers arguing it would be demotivating.

Teachers' unions demands are for a 100 per cent salary increase per October 1 2007 and a strike has been announced for September 24 after negotiations with the Education Ministry failed.

Source: zagrada.bg
published under creative commons license