Teachers and Ministry resume negotiations in an atmosphere of contention

Teachers' unions and the Ministry of Education resume negotiations yesterday, February 15, on a new model for recruiting and placing teachers in a contentious environment, with the minister announcing that it will be the last round on the matter

The fifth round of negotiations on a new model for teacher recruitment and placement that has led to strong protests in schools since the end of last year, with strikes, protests and several national demonstrations, will take place today and Friday.

In these two days of negotiations teachers return with protests outside their schools and the strike called by the Union of All Educational Professionals (STOP) continues.

Today's meeting will also be marked by the release of the opinion requested by the Ministry to the Attorney General's Office to analyze the legality of the strikes called by STOP and the Independent Union of Teachers and Educators (SIPE).

The opinion arrived at the end of last week at the Ministry's services, but Minister João Costa announced that he would disclose the conclusions "first hand" to teachers during today's negotiation round.

The indefinite strike called by STOP led to the decree of minimum services in schools, leading principals to threaten to resign before the task of having to convene staff and teachers to ensure the decisions of the Court of Arbitration.

Among the novelties of the latest decision of the Arbitration Court is that schools must guarantee three hours of classes starting Thursday, in addition to other obligations, such as receiving students with special educational needs and children at risk, as well as providing meals and ensuring the safety of school space.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Education Minister was confident about this week's meetings, stressing that the government has made an effort to get closer to the unions' positions.