“The non-compliance by the authority regarding the payment of the installation subsidy, which we believe we are entitled to, has led to this strike and reflects the need to express concern and dissatisfaction with the working conditions that have affected us in recent months, as well as to defend the rights and guarantees that Portuguese legislation provides for public sector employees,” the teachers stated in a press release.
The group of 31 teachers had been teaching at the Portuguese School of Díli on statutory mobility, having ended their roles on August 31, 2025.
The teachers participated in the internal competition held in July 2025, but the results and their acceptance only occurred when they were already on vacation in Portugal.
Upon leaving for Portugal, the teachers gave up their housing and sold their vehicles, not knowing the competition results, and they believe they are entitled to the installation subsidy not only due to being on a new contract but also due to having to relocate again to the capital of Timor-Leste.
The group of about 30 teachers from the Portuguese School of Díli initially announced an indefinite strike starting on October 30 but decided to suspend the protest after the school’s administration revoked the decision to demand the return of the subsidy.
However, this month a new service order reversed the revocation, requiring the teachers to return the installation subsidy.
“In this context, these teachers feel that the final position taken by the administration is not adequately justified, creates instability, and a sense of demoralization that does not contribute to a healthy school environment, important for the pedagogical process development,” they stressed in the statement.
Speaking to journalists, the director of the Portuguese School of Díli, Manuel Alexandre Marques, explained that, according to the Ministry of Education, the teachers, who were already in Timor-Leste, did not disinstall and therefore are not entitled to the installation subsidy.
Manuel Alexandre Marques also mentioned that the teachers were informed of the competition results before going on vacation.
“The competition results were released on July 23, and the teachers practically all went on holiday after that date. This interpretation comes from the Ministry, and I am obliged to comply,” he said.
