Polish teachers go on strike over educational reforms

Thousands of teachers across Poland took part in a strike on Friday to protest the proposed education system overhaul. According to the Union of Polish Teachers, which organized the strike, 35-40 percent of teachers joined the protest. Ministry of Education claimed that 89 percent of the schools were unaffected by the protests. Polish PM Beata Szydło, called the protests “politically engaged.” The planned educational reforms include eliminating the middle-schools, which teachers are afraid will make many of them redundant. The government wants also to change the curriculum to put more emphasis on history, and more conservative values. The government argues the current system isn't working well. The striking teachers also demanded pay hikes as compensation for their extra work in making the transition. Poland's Education Ministry said the changes, recently passed by parliament, are now a “reality” that must be accepted to ensure the well-being of children. The ministry promised that no teachers will lose their jobs.