Ministry of Education support program staff hold 24-hour strike

On March 26, employees of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth support programs initiated a 24-hour strike to demand improved working conditions and job security. The protesters are scheduled to gather at the parking lot near the PASYDY building and march toward the Presidential Palace at 11:30 a.m. The Progressive Movement of Teachers and Kindergarten Teachers has publicly supported the strike, calling for an immediate dialogue between the government and the workers. A primary grievance involves a legislative bill submitted to Parliament in December, which unions claim ignores their input, contradicts existing laws and European Union frameworks, and leaves hundreds of workers vulnerable. Specifically, the employees are seeking the recognition of 30 months of service to facilitate their transition to permanent contracts, a status update also requested for substitute teachers and part-time staff in Optional All-Day Schools. The unions argue that these actions are necessary to protect their labor rights and ensure stability within the education system. While the Ministry has yet to finalize a solution, the strikers emphasize that their work provides a vital social and pedagogical service that requires proper legal recognition.