The United Union of Education Workers (SBASHK) has set August 20 as the deadline for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MASHTI) to begin discussions regarding teachers’ demands. Union officials have warned that if talks do not commence, they may take further measures, including a strike. Meanwhile, Education Minister Arbërie Nagavci emphasized that negotiations will proceed only on a legal basis, not under pressure.
SBASHK has established August 20 as the final date to start dialogue with the Ministry. If no progress is made, the union’s Executive Council will convene to decide on next steps, potentially including a strike.
“SBASHK held an extraordinary congress and decided that if dialogue with the Ministry of Education does not start by August 20, the Executive Council will determine further actions, not excluding a strike,” said Vjollca Shala, SBASHK Vice President.
Key demands include the signing of a new collective contract, increasing the coefficient value under the Salary Law, and implementing Constitutional Court decisions regarding work experience.
Minister Nagavci responded, noting that SBASHK repeats a similar scenario each year before the start of the school year, and that previous collective contracts were signed under irregular conditions.
“This is nothing new; we have become accustomed over the years to such statements every September, especially during caretaker governments or election periods. The last three collective contracts were signed during election campaigns or under caretaker governments, without following legal procedures, creating numerous issues in municipalities. We have held meetings with SBASHK and will meet again if necessary. However, our decisions and actions will be legally grounded, not based on blackmail or political pressure rather than substantive content,” Nagavci stated.
The minister denied avoiding talks with the union but emphasized that any negotiation must be legally valid. With the new school year approaching, it remains uncertain whether students will return to their classrooms as usual or face another education strike.
