AObmembers reject covenant and continue on strike
The general meeting of the AOb rejects the covenant that was signed last Friday and wants to continue with the strike. This became clear on Monday evening during a members' meeting in Utrecht.
Image: Angeliek de Jonge
After turbulent days in which the AOb withdrew the strike call, and then declare the strike again, it was up to the members on Monday evening to speak out in person about the covenant that the AOb last Sunday. Was that the right decision, the executive board asks the more than a hundred AObmembers present at the meeting. Yes, is the heartfelt answer. And the members are happy that the strike will continue next Wednesday with the support of the AOb? They are.
Didn't the bells ring with you on Friday night?
They are not happy with the process. “Didn't the bells ring on your Friday evening,” asks a secondary school teacher. That evening (then) chairman Liesbeth Verheggen signed the covenant in which the cabinet pledged € 460 million to primary and secondary education. From that moment on it was a mess: the strike was called off, education staff throughout the country reacted angrily, Liesbeth Verheggen resigned and were AObmembers Sunday called again to go on strike.
I'm sorry
Vice-chairman Eugenie Stolk kicks off the members' meeting on Monday evening with a heartfelt and emotional expression of regret. She expresses her appreciation for former chairman Liesbeth Verheggen. The members present praise the former chairman for her work for the AOb, but also because she put her hand in her own bosom.
Keep the fire burning
According to members, the AOb acting 'less sweet' and soon after staking make clear how the actions will proceed. “To keep the fire burning,” says a primary school teacher.
Read here more about the November 6 strike
