(Prensa.com) After six hours of meetings Saturday, unions representing many of the country’s teachers decided they will go on a 24-hour strike on July 25.That date coincides with a meeting of the National Assembly, and it is likely that teachers will pressure legislators to hear their complaints.
According to union leader Alberto Alvarado, the strike could also be extended past 48 hours if no progress on outstanding issues, most notably salaries, isn’t made.
According to Alvarado, other issues which have teachers concerned is the drop-out rate, which has risen from under 10 percent to more than 13 percent, and disciplinary actions taken against teachers. Alvarado blamed changes in the curricular on the drop-out rate increase, and said educational authorities have ignored the problems.
Union leaders will meet again Wednesday to discuss the possible strike in more detail.