A unanimous decision has been made by a teachers’ union following meetings with educators at Portuguese Schools Abroad (EPERP), addressing the lack of solutions from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation (MECI). The union claims the ministry has failed to provide contracted and school-based teachers the same guarantees as those on mobility, casting doubt on their ability to remain at the schools and putting their lives on hold.
“Held hostage by this situation created by the MECI, the teachers are continuing the strikes from late February and March, demanding a swift resolution,” stated a release from the Teachers’ Union (S.TO.P.).
The union indicated that teachers, unable to sustain themselves abroad due to high associated costs, are contemplating returning to Portugal. This, they warn, will lead to a shortage of teachers at EPERP or result in a significantly precarious teaching body, hindering the necessary continuity in education.
Since May of last year, the MECI has expressed during negotiation meetings its intention to limit mobility because of teacher shortages in Portugal. Without teachers on staff and absent those on mobility, EPERP will be weakened in its mission to provide Portuguese education abroad, noted S.TO.P.
