Serbian Teachers’ Union Furious Over Government’s Proposed Pay Increase

Teachers’ unions in Serbia are expressing significant discontent after a meeting with Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, where the government proposed a pay increase that they deem unacceptable. The unions were expecting a detailed plan for salary increases but were instead informed that there would be no additional raise until the end of the year. The proposed pay increase, which would take effect in January 2025, would see teachers receive a 50% larger increase than other education staff. This has angered the unions, who argue that all education workers should receive the same increase. Unions have stated that they find the government’s proposal unfair and discriminatory. They are planning to hold a press conference on September 2nd to announce further action, which is likely to involve strikes. The government has responded by stating that the proposed increase is a step towards equaling the starting salary of teachers with the national average, a key demand of the unions. However, the unions remain unconvinced and are prepared to escalate their protests.