Teachers' Federation denounces payroll suspension for over 50,000 Venezuelan educators

The Venezuelan Federation of Teachers (FVM) has sounded the alarm, denouncing the Ministry of Education's decision to suspend the payroll for more than 50,000 educators across the country. FVM President Carmen Teresa Márquez characterized this move as a blatant act of "harassment" and "persecution" against the teaching profession, a sentiment echoed by many educators who feel increasingly undervalued and unsupported by the government. The impact is particularly devastating for retired teachers, many of whom are already struggling with disabilities or severe health conditions, and now face the grim reality of having no income to cover basic necessities like food and medical treatment. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of a severe teacher deficit, estimated at 250,000, exacerbated by a "brain drain" of professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. The FVM is now contemplating significant actions, including a national strike, to demand fair wages that reflect the true cost of living in Venezuela, where the basic food basket alone costs nearly $700. This fight for dignity and fair compensation underscores the deep challenges facing Venezuela's education sector and the unwavering resolve of its teachers.

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They have admitted many high school graduates who are not really graduated. There is a deficit due to the diaspora, due to the number of teachers who have left the country. Many teachers are needed, especially in critical areas like mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The students leave without hearing this knowledge and often arrive with problems at the universities.