Teachers' Organization and Finance Ministry Reach Historic Salary Agreement
In a significant development for the education sector, the teachers' organization and the Ministry of Finance have successfully concluded negotiations, resulting in a new salary agreement for high school teachers. This agreement, reached late Sunday night, promises substantial salary increases, one-time grants, and improved remuneration for special education roles, effectively ending sanctions that have persisted for nearly two years.
Key Details of the Agreement
Under the new agreement, full-time teachers will receive a one-time grant of NIS 9,600, included in their October salary. Additionally, a salary increase of NIS 2,000 will be implemented, with NIS 1,200 effective from September 1, 2024. The agreement also includes enhancements to training rewards, salary increments for various educational roles, and a revision of the work week structure, which will now require an additional hour of face-to-face teaching.
Impact on Teachers and Students
The agreement has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. While the national parents' leadership welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance for stability in the education system, some educators expressed concerns over the implications of reduced vacation days for students due to the agreement's stipulations. Specifically, teachers in different sectors will work additional days during holidays, impacting the school calendar.
Ministerial Statements
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich highlighted that this agreement not only brings immediate financial relief to teachers but also aims to attract new talent into the education system. He stressed the importance of maintaining public education and ensuring that teachers who participated in the strike will not face salary deductions, thus preserving their earnings during this tumultuous period.
Future Considerations
Despite the successful negotiations, some controversy remains regarding the introduction of personal contracts for teachers, a move that was initially proposed by the Ministry of Finance. While the teachers' organization claims this aspect has been removed from the agreement, sources from the Ministry suggest that individual contracts are still on the table, indicating ongoing discussions about the future of teacher employment conditions.
Overall, this agreement marks a pivotal moment in the education sector, promising improved working conditions and financial benefits for educators while addressing the pressing need for stability in schools.
