Uruguay teachers' strike sparks dispute over 'irrational' response

A dispute has emerged in Uruguay over a teachers' strike called in response to an assault on a teacher. Pablo Caggiani, president of the National Association of Public Employees (ANEP), described the strike as "somewhat irrational," particularly given the measures taken by educational authorities.

Caggiani stated that while the incident was regrettable, Primary Education authorities had activated resources, including increased security, police involvement, and the teacher's temporary removal from duty. He questioned the necessity of a full-day strike, especially when all available resources were reportedly being utilized.

However, the Uruguayan Teachers' Association (Ademu) strongly refuted Caggiani's assessment. Ademu leader Paola López asserted that the strike is "totally rational" and necessary for defending the labor rights of their members. She pointed out that the teacher involved in the aggression had a history of violent incidents and had been separated from his post in March, yet no definitive legal resolution had been reached after five months.

Ademu announced a full-day strike in Montevideo, accompanied by a march to the Directorate General of Initial and Primary Education. The union expressed its "strongest repudiation" of the assault, placing responsibility on the Directorate General for not acting promptly on a case with multiple prior complaints. In response to the strike, the Directorate General issued guidance on meal services for students, indicating that those in open institutions would be fed as usual, while students from closed institutions could access meals at the nearest center.