Michailidou Questions Strike – Announcement on Student Absences Coming

The Minister of Education, Athena Michailidou, has expressed her puzzlement regarding the strike measures taken by teachers, assuring that the evaluation plan has been repeatedly discussed with educational organizations. Speaking on the Alpha Information program, Ms. Michailidou emphasized that changes were made to benefit union demands, without altering the philosophy of the plan.

The Minister stated that the criteria, weightings, and service plan have been given in detail to educational organizations and Parliament. She pointed out that the participation of teachers in the Monitoring Committee was intended to avoid unilateral actions and enhance transparency.

At the same time, Ms. Michailidou expressed her disappointment at the inconvenience suffered by thousands of parents and children due to the measures, questioning whether the 15% of outstanding issues justifies these mobilizations. Regarding student absences, she announced that an announcement will be issued soon, with a possible non-counting of absences.

The Vice President of OELMEK, Andreas Mavratsas, stated that educational organizations have the constitutional right to take strike action. After the work stoppage, a nationwide conference will be held to decide on the next steps.

The President of the Confederation of Parents of Secondary Education, Loizos Konstantinou, noted that teachers are using children as leverage, as consultation continues in Parliament.