By Ismail Ozdemir
BELGRADE (AA) – Teachers in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, staged a protest on Monday against poor salaries and working conditions, organizing a demonstration to voice their grievances about the state of the education sector.
Thousands of teachers, members of the Independent Union of Education Workers of Serbia (NSPRS), who rejected an agreement between the government and official education unions, gathered in front of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Belgrade, joined by students and citizens in support.
Dusan Kokot, President of the NSPRS, emphasized that no education took place on the first day of the strike in 50% of schools nationwide.
Kokot added that strike actions were more prominent in major cities.
“We have shown the courage to stand firm against threats," he said.
Protesters criticized low wages and poor working conditions and also condemned a train accident in Novi Sad, in northern Serbia, that claimed the lives of 15 people.
Meanwhile, Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced during a television program that inspections would begin in schools starting tomorrow, emphasizing that halting education is against the law.
"Politics has no place among children," Vucevic accused the protesters of politicizing the issue.