Students Support Teachers’ Labour Struggle

Secondary school students in Laugarvatn showed up for school in T-shirts showing their support for the labour demands of their teachers.

The website of the Laugarvatn Secondary School reports that the students caught teachers by surprise today, showing up in black T-shirts which read “We all protest” on the front and “Correct teachers’ salaries. Improve the education system. We are the future.” on the back. Many teachers were reportedly moved to tears by the show of support.

The student group Mímir were behind the operation, giving a number of reasons for the display. Many students are worried about how collective bargaining talks between secondary school teachers and the state are currently going, with fears that students will not be able to complete the school year. In addition, the students are aware of the salaries teachers currently have to work with and believe the matter is important – not just for the teachers themselves, but for the education system as a whole.

As reported, Iceland’s secondary school teachers are not satisfied with the contract proposal being offered by the state, especially regarding their salaries. This week, voting will be conducted on whether or not to strike, with final results expected by March 1.

More photos from the protest can be seen here.