Will the teachers strike on Wednesday or not? After the major teachers’ union, Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb), called off the strike last week, it seemed not. Now, however, they have reversed their decision, reports NOS.
A teachers’ strike is planned on Wednesday this week. Teachers are calling for more investment in the education system: something the government seemed to have acquiesced to. They agreed to spend an extra 460 million euro on education last week, after which AOb decided to call off the strike. Most of its members were not happy with that decision, however.
6 november lerarenstaking https://t.co/x32kXGPU7L
— Bram Overschie (@bram_overschie) October 31, 2019
So, we can all look forward to another protest this Wednesday: why are the Dutch protesting so much lately?
So, why are the teachers striking?
There are several problems with the government’s solution, but the most important is that it would be a once-off investment by the government. It sounds like a lot of money, but what teachers are calling for is increased and continual investment in education. So, when AOb called off the strike, a significant number of teachers joined another union that was in favour of the strike, Leraren in Actie, which is a relatively small union. Around 600 extra members joined over the weekend, according to chairman of the union Peter Althuizen.
Ik snap nog steeds niet waarom docenten in het basisonderwijs niet gewoon 2 weken allemaal het werk neerleggen.
10 dagen lang geen dagbesteding voor de Vlinders en Splinters van Nederland is een drama voor veel ouders. Heb je geen trekkers voor nodig.
Kap eens met lief doen.
— Jelmer Visser (@DieTukkerfries) October 30, 2019
Translation: I still don’t understand why primary school teachers aren’t striking for two weeks. 10 days of looking after their darlings will be difficult for many parents. You don’t need tractors for that. Cut it off with love.
On Sunday, AOb decided to go back on their decision to call off the strike following the concerns their members raised. So, depending on what individual schools and teachers decide, the strike will most likely go ahead in most parts of the Netherlands this Wednesday. Part of the reason for the uncertainty is the timing of AOb’s change of mind: as it all happened over the weekend, schools can only be consulted today. Parents will only know for sure this evening.
Will you be affected by this strike? Or are you a striking teacher? Let us know in the comments below.
Feature image: Teresa Gubern/Supplied.