Ready for a new strike

Vienna’s recreation teachers not “child keepers”

The strikes by Viennese leisure teachers began almost exactly a year ago. Their anger over upcoming amendments to the school law is growing - as is their willingness to strike.

(Bild: Gerhard Bartel)

For a year now, Vienna's recreation teachers have been fearing for their jobs. The reason for this is a planned change in the law. The corresponding amendment to the school law is now imminent. Now they are to go on strike again. They are more than just "children's custodians", say the school caregivers angrily. 

It has been a year since Vienna's recreational teachers took to the streets. The reason was an announced amendment to the school laws that would completely change the job. The reform, which was announced a year ago, not only provides for a new salary scheme, which could result in a reduction of up to 19 percent, especially in Vienna, but also a change in training. And it is getting ever closer. The likelihood of new strikes is also increasing.

Higher hurdles, shorter training
In future, a school-leaving certificate will be compulsory for the profession and the actual training course will be shortened to six months. In addition, recreational educators are to support teachers in teaching in the future, without the corresponding training. The influx to Vienna's schools could contribute to a faster implementation of the reform. The negotiations ended on February 22. However, not with an agreement, but with a "final offer" from the Ministry of Education, which, according to the "Bildung im Mittelpunkt" works council, still contains some deteriorations.

The uncertainty about the future is extremely stressful for many of us. And this is in addition to an already stressful working day. If necessary, we will go on strike again.

Freizeitpädagoge Samuel Kammermeier

Bild: zVg

Leisure educators demand clear answers
"We have been in uncertainty for a year. 94 percent of our workforce rejects the draft. We want clarity that the government will not push through the reform against our will," says Works Council Chairwoman Selma Schacht. If this commitment is not forthcoming, the company intends to go on strike again from May 22.

We have done everything we can to bring the problems of everyday school life closer to the government. They must recognize that we do more than just keep the children.

Betriebsratsvorsitzende Selma Schacht

Bild: zVg

"Under even worse working conditions, I can't afford to work in this profession until I retire," says Chantal Turel, a leisure teacher in the 6th district. The government should "play with open cards and include us in the plans. This is the only way to create a good reform that is also realistic."

The office of Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) has the following to say about the smouldering conflict: "After we have informed the provinces, cities and municipalities, we will enter into talks with the leisure teachers. There will be no deterioration."