Unions issue ultimatum
Education ministers Arie Slob (ChristenUnie) and Ingrid van Engelshoven (D66) have until 25 February to make extra investments for the entire education system. That ultimatum states the AOb together with FNV Education and Research and the associations of the FvOv.
Picture: Type tank
If the ministers do not let them know before 10.00 a.m. on February 25 that they meet the requirements, the unions call on their supporters to take action. It is about an action week that starts on March 11 and ends with a nationwide strike on March 15 on the Malieveld in The Hague.
Ultimatum
Unions must always issue an ultimatum in the event of strikes. The unions have done that with a letter which was sent to ministers at the end of last week. In it they demand a structural investment in education as a whole - primary education up to and including university education - of 4 billion euros. In addition, the cutbacks - efficiency cuts - of a total of 183 million euros must be taken off the table, according to the unions.
We note that despite our request to draw up a hard investment plan for the sector, the cabinet is no longer providing any substantial assistance
'We have established that, despite our request to draw up a hard investment plan for the sector, the cabinet is no longer providing any substantial assistance. Only small amounts are shifted ', the unions write in their letter. The unions and their supporters hear the ministers say again and again that no extra money will be released for education. Despite all the problems they face in the education sectors, such as the high workload, teacher shortages and salaries that are lagging behind in other professions
Education quality
Investments are, according to the unions, essential to maintain the quality of education. That is why the unions demand that the ministers come quickly with additional investments. 'For the future of current pupils and students, for new generations of young people, and for the future of the Netherlands as a competitive knowledge economy.'
Read the entire letter with the ultimatum through this link. You can find more information about the action week and the national strike on the promotion page.
