Montevideo teachers announce 24-hour strike, march to government headquarters

Teachers in Montevideo are intensifying their protest for more education funding, announcing a 24-hour strike across all public secondary schools next week. The union ADES Montevideo also plans a mobilization to the Executive Tower, further escalating tensions with the government.

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The definition was made in an assembly that took place at Liceo 35 (IAVA), which was occupied this Thursday, a day of 24-hour strike in all public high schools in Montevideo, after carrying out zonal strikes, with occupation, from Monday to Wednesday of this week.

The strike, with a specific date yet to be confirmed, follows a week of actions including school occupations and zonal strikes. The union's demands, shared by the national federation Fenapes, center on securing 6% of GDP for education and 1% for research, a target supported by the Pit-Cnt union confederation and included in the Broad Front's program for the 2024 elections.

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The claim of ADES Montevideo, like the rest of the unions, is to reach 6% of GDP for education and 1% in research, something they have the support of Pit-Cnt.

However, the government has signaled that the "6+1" goal will not be achieved during the current term. Education and Culture Minister José Carlos Mahía confirmed this, citing a scenario of fiscal restriction where education was not among the four stated priorities for the upcoming budget review. Teachers argue the government is approaching the budget review with "zero spending," relying on reallocations rather than increases. They cite deteriorating infrastructure and the need for more teaching positions, support staff, and psychologists as reasons for increased funding.

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during the quinquennium will not be met with the '6+1'.