The coalition has agreed on part of the relief package for school management and teaching staff that Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) and the teachers’ union presented before the summer holidays. On Thursday, the budget committee decided on better pay for German language remedial classes and protective measures for young teachers. However, the heart of the plan, namely the introduction of middle management in compulsory schools as well, remains open.
On Thursday, additional pay for teachers of German classes was agreed, and school principals will be able to choose their own representatives in the future. According to the Ministry of Education, the protective provisions announced as part of the reform of teacher training were also approved, which are intended to prevent young teachers from burning out. Young teachers who are studying for a Master’s degree alongside their job will no longer be employed as class teachers or provide additional services on a permanent basis. They will also be supported by mentors as part of their pedagogical and practical studies.
In a statement, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens), who is responsible for the public service, spoke of a package that would noticeably ease the workload of teachers who are currently “under great pressure”.
Skepticism at Polaschek
Minister Polaschek was not quite as euphoric in a statement to the APA. He had already repeatedly criticized the fact that the amendment was not making any progress. The package drawn up by his department finally brings measures to address the need for skilled workers, further strengthening child protection and relief for schools and teachers. “It remains incomprehensible why Vice Chancellor Kogler continues to reject support for the compulsory school sector by administrators,” said Polaschek. He will continue to fight for the relief package negotiated with the civil servants’ union to be fully implemented.
“The agreement on the relief package shows that we are putting constructive solutions in place during the election campaign,” the Green Vice Chancellor’s office told APA. Talks with the administrators are continuing. “We are confident that an agreement will soon be reached on this issue.”
