Over 1,700 teachers join strike

On Tuesday, teachers launched a so-called 'gradual strike'. More than 1,700 teachers from 106 schools did not teach their first lesson of the day. The unhappy teachers want higher salaries - increased by €140 per month as of this year and by another €90 as of next year. They also require more money for the entire education system. If their requirements are not fulfilled, two lessons will not be taught on September 21 and three lessons on September 29. Education Minister Peter Plavčan, a nominee of the Slovak National Party, reacted to the strike by saying that teachers' salaries have already been increased by 6% as of this September. Moreover, the ministry plans a 6% hike in teachers' salaries each January until 2020. The Slovak Teachers Initiative claims these steps will not make the job of a teacher more attractive.