Representatives of the Buenos Aires provincial government failed to reach agreement today with striking teachers’ unions, who according to UDOCBA leader Miguel Díaz will continue industrial action that today reached its 15th consecutive day.
Díaz told reporters that «there was no new proposal» on the part of the Daniel Scioli administration, adding that «they only promised us they would continue discussing and negotiate again in September.»
«They have to give us 6400 pesos which is what we demand. The government has the resources to match salaries in Santa Fe, Capital and Córdoba,» the union leader signalled, on leaving this afternoon’s meeting.
The Schools Director-General Nora de Lucía responded in a subsequent press conference, urging teachers to «return to classrooms» and follow the injunction passed by judge Francisco Terrier on Saturday.
The official confirmed that the government’s offer consisted of a 30.9 percent raise in two installments, with the possibility of opening up negotiations towards August.
«We teach all our students how to exercise their rights and that is why we should set the example,» De Lucía fired, having failed to convince educators to end industrial action.
SUTEBA leader Roberto Baradel, on the other hand, also confirmed the continuation of strike action and underlined: «We came to this negotiation with a proposal of 35 percent and we have received a repetition of the previous offer.»
The unionist called for a «dignified proposal» from provincial authorities, maintaining that teachers were «willing to find a solution.»
«We know all about the inconveniences this creates, but in order for schools to open dignified salaries should be guaranteed,» he stated.
buenosairesherald.com