The Administrative Board of the League of Teachers in Official Vocational and Technical Education said in a statement, issued in parallel with government and parliamentary sessions and the approval of the general budget, that “what is happening is extremely serious and threatens to have direct repercussions on teachers’ rights and the stability of the sector, requiring the highest levels of awareness and solidarity in confronting policies that belittle teachers’ rights and their legitimate demands.”

The statement added: “Matters have reached the point of fragmenting rights and adopting calculated plans aimed at postponing the crisis and evading it, rather than addressing it in a fair and comprehensive manner. This constitutes a clear violation of the principles of social justice and job equity.” In light of this reality, and given the danger of complacency in the coming days, the league announced a general strike on Tuesday the 20th and Wednesday the 21st of this month, with Wednesday to include a central sit-in, the location and details of which will be announced later.

The league also declared its commitment to an open-ended escalation, the contours of which will be determined in line with political and trade union developments, which it said it is monitoring closely in order to take the appropriate steps and positions.

The statement concluded: “We are rightful claimants and will no longer accept a policy of procrastination and empty promises, nor will we be silent witnesses to the erosion of teachers’ dignity and rights. The next phase is one of responsible confrontation, in defense of livelihoods, the dignity of teachers, and official vocational and technical education, and the future of entire generations.”