Slovak teachers strike over low pay
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Most schools and some universities have been closed after teachers across the country went on a one-day strike to demand higher pay.
Labor union leader Pavel Ondek says up to 90 percent of elementary schools, up to 80 percent of high schools and around 30 percent of universities have participated in Thursday's nationwide protest as teachers demand a 10-percent pay increase next year and more money for the education sector.
Ondek says labor unions plan to discuss their demands with the government next week.
Education Minister Dusan Caplovic said Thursday the teachers' salaries are a priority for him, but it would be very difficult to find resources at a time the country, like many other EU nations, has to adopt austerity measures to retain market confidence.
