A petition launched by the Community “Solidary Teachers” with over 5,000 signatures, by which the teachers demand to increase their salaries by 50% and to double the salaries of ancillary personnel, was submitted to the Government. The initiative group hopes that during a month, until October 5, when it is celebrated World Teachers Day, the authorities will give a positive answer to the request or the teachers will mount protests, IPN reports.

The teachers posted symbolically the pieces of paper with signatures on a large sheet of paper in the hall of the Government Building after representatives of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research refused them an audience.

Natalia Bzovaia, founder of the Community “Solidary Teachers”, said that as each child whom they educate in classrooms has a story behind them, each signature also has the story of a teacher behind it and this is often unhappy. “Each signature put there and those who didn’t manage to come today from rural areas have a story behind them. No one will come to sign if they have a good life,” she stated.

Sergiu Bejenari, ex-teacher from a village, said he came with a message to the government. “Look how many signatures were collected and how many people do not agree with teachers’ pays. Do you like deriding the people? Do you like deriding the young generation that could refuse to live in this country? How can a teacher maintain a family and go to work with enthusiasm? Dear rulers, don’t disdain the teachers as you disdain the future generation!”, stated the young man.

Teacher Olga Bâtcă said the problems in education should be solved one after another, but the rise in teachers’ salaries up to a decent level should be a priority.

Teacher Ana Turtureanu voiced hope that the initiative will make the government not to delay the long-awaited pay raise.

The signatures were collected during a month by volunteers from among teachers.