November 6 strike continues
The education strike on Wednesday 6 November will continue. The main board of de Algemene Onderwijsbond distances itself from the covenant that the unions and employers concluded with Minister Arie Slob last Friday. Chairman Liesbeth Verheggen of de Algemene Onderwijsbond resigns.
Picture: Fred van Diem
Last Friday, the unions, employers and Minister Slob concluded a covenant in which the cabinet committed 460 million to invest in education. At the AObmembers aroused great anger because a significant portion of this money was one-off. While the AOb has consistently campaigned for structural investments for a higher salary and less workload. AObchairman Liesbeth Verheggen also explicitly stated that the 460 million from the covenant was a first step towards structural solutions.
Too fast
“The decision had to be taken on that Friday afternoon and that was too fast”, Verheggen now judges. "I should not have signed the covenant immediately, but should have presented it to the board at the weekend and held a members' consultation." This was also agreed with the main board. “That is why I have now decided to step down as chairman of the AOb”Says Verheggen.
We apologize for the confusion caused
Respect
The main board of the AOb respects the decision. "It is a very difficult decision, but Liesbeth takes her responsibility," said the board. The November 6 strike continues. “We have a huge appreciation for all our colleagues who are working very hard to make the strike a great success and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused. What is needed is a structural investment in education. We will talk to our members, starting at tomorrow's general meeting – Monday.'
So the strike continues, the members are heard. Later today it will be announced whether there are any consequences for the individual regional meetings. Eugenie Stolk is vice chairman.
