Hundreds of teachers from several districts across Moldova, education sector employees and trade union representatives gathered outside the Government building on Wednesday, August 19, demanding higher salaries for teaching and auxiliary staff, as previously promised starting September 1.
Protesters brought signs reading “We Demand Adequate Salaries,” “Dignity for Education” and “Invest in Education.” Participants also chanted “We Want Decent Salaries!” and “We Want Commitments to Be Fulfilled!”
The protest is taking place in Chisinau’s Great National Assembly Square and is organized by the Federation of Education and Science Trade Unions (FSEȘ). The demonstration is scheduled to continue until 11:30 a.m.
Organizers previously stressed that the action is not directed against students or parents, but aims to defend quality education supported by adequately paid professionals.
One day before the protest, on Tuesday, August 18, the Government responded to the teachers’ demands, saying authorities were looking for solutions and promising that they would be identified “as soon as possible.”
Currently, a young teacher’s monthly salary ranges between 8,000 and 12,000 lei, including performance-based and specific allowances.
A teacher with the highest teaching grade and a full workload can earn approximately 16,000 lei per month.