Montenegro Government Slashes Teachers’ Salaries: Education Used as a Fiscal Experiment!
Did you hear the latest? The Government of Montenegro has decided to cut teachers’ salaries again – by at least 50 euros! Yes, you read that right. While education is hailed as the pillar of society, those who actually carry it – teachers and education workers – are getting hit with salary cuts.
What’s going on?
The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and MP Zoja Bojanić Lalović are not mincing words: this is a clear sign of how the government views education – as a cost, not an investment. For the second year in a row, the Ministry of Finance, Education, Science, and Innovation is blatantly violating the Sectoral Collective Agreement (GKU) in education. The new salary calculation method means thousands of teachers will lose at least 50 euros per month.
Who is affected?
Not only are salaries being cut, but rights previously guaranteed are being ignored – such as increased coefficients for master’s and doctoral degrees, class leadership, coordinators of work in institutions outside the main school premises, and professional services in schools with over a thousand students.
Why is this a problem?
This is not just a salary issue. It’s a matter of dignity for education workers and a model of how intellectuals are treated in Montenegro. While education is publicly praised, in practice, teachers are treated as a budget expense.
Government as a Fiscal Experiment?
Bojanić Lalović clearly states that education is a space for fiscal experiments, not the foundation of all changes. This means education is being cut and experimented on, while the government boasts about investments and modernization.
What do the unions say?
The Education Union of Montenegro (SPCG) reacted that the new salary calculation violates Article 22 of the GKU, which provides for increased coefficients for certain titles and functions. This is further proof that education workers’ rights are systematically violated.
What’s next?
The government seems set to continue testing the endurance of education workers, with the consequences borne by those most important for society’s future – teachers and students.
Conclusion
While education is publicly touted as important, in reality, teachers in Montenegro face salary cuts and loss of rights. The government treats education as a cost, not an investment. Is this the right path for Montenegro’s future? Or is it time for education workers to raise their voices and say “enough”?
What do you think? Is cutting teachers’ salaries justified, or just another blow to education? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or crack a joke about salaries – let’s laugh a little before these news make us cry!
Key facts:
- Salary cuts of at least 50 euros per month
- Second year in a row violating the Sectoral Collective Agreement
- Ignoring rights to increased coefficients for titles and functions
- Education Union of Montenegro protests rights violations
- Government treats education as a fiscal experiment
Stay informed, follow the news, and don’t let anyone trample your dignity – in school or anywhere else!
Source: Mina News, DPS, Education Union of Montenegro
