DF condemns announcement of salary cuts for teachers in Tuzla Canton

In light of the announced salary cuts for teachers in primary and secondary education institutions in the Tuzla Canton, and the half-hour warning strike held in schools, the Democratic Front hereby expresses its full support to the teachers' union in the fight for their rights, it was announced from this party, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

Aware of the importance of education in any society on the one hand, and the miserable position that teachers already find themselves in, especially in primary and secondary schools in the Tuzla Canton, we strongly oppose the attempt to cut teachers' salaries.

The fact that teachers' and professors' salaries range from 700 to 900 KM best speaks to the current government's attitude towards the education sector.

While the cosmetic salary cuts for executive branch officials were less than 0.5% of their salaries, the announcement of a 5% to 10% salary cut for teachers would seriously endanger their existence and bring employees in this sector to the level of social cases.

Addressing the budget deficit, which is the result of years of wasteful spending and poor management, by reducing already low teachers' salaries demonstrates the authorities' complete social insensitivity, which passes on their mistakes to others. All this without questioning the responsibility and taking measures against those who brought the budget to such a state.

The authorities show incompetence in performing their jobs effectively, for which they are exceptionally well paid compared to the average citizen's salary. Instead of measures to increase budget revenues by creating a more favorable business environment, they base their work on salary cuts and further lowering citizens' standards.

We warn that a general strike by teachers jeopardizes the realization of our children's right to education, disrupts the regular teaching process, affects the quality of work in schools, and puts children and parents in a difficult position by later organizing make-up classes.

In this regard, we call on the Government of Tuzla Canton to make savings in other items and incomes that are many times higher than teachers' salaries, and to ensure an increase in the budget of TK through more serious work – the DF statement reads.