“Schools across the country, particularly those in the first cycle, which have fewer staff members, have not opened,” stated Filinto Lima, President of the National Association of Public School Directors (ANDAEP).
Additionally, schools in the second and third cycles, as well as secondary schools, have shut down, although the strike has more significantly impacted preschools and the first cycle.
“With so few staff, even one absence makes a difference,” Lima added.
Manuel Pereira, President of the National Association of School Leaders (ANDE), confirmed to Lusa that many schools, including the one he manages, Serpa Pinto in Cinfães, remain closed.
“There are already few staff members, and the absence of any leads to a lack of conditions, forcing the school to close,” he commented.
According to the National Union of Workers from Public Services and Entities with Public Purposes (STTS), which called for the strike, participation is nearly 90% to 100% in schools and hospitals. This industrial action is a response to the deteriorating working conditions and the perceived lack of appreciation for workers, who express frustration with “low wages.”
