World Teachers' Day: Teachers Rally in Lisbon for Their Rights

Celebrating World Teachers' Day

This Saturday, October 5, marks World Teachers' Day, a date not only to honor educators but also to highlight their demands. With the theme "Giving Voice to Teachers", chosen by international organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, and the Education International, the message emphasizes the need for governments to listen to and respect the proposals made by teachers' unions rather than making unilateral decisions.

FENPROF's Stance

The National Federation of Teachers (FENPROF) seizes this day to reinforce its positions, especially with significant negotiations underway or anticipated, including the revision of the Teacher Career Statute, reformation of teacher training regimes, and preparation for the 2025 State Budget. FENPROF is organizing a demonstration in Lisbon, starting with a gathering at 2:30 PM at Rossio, followed by a march to Largo de Camões.

Crucial Timing for Education

This World Teachers' Day comes at a pivotal moment for educators in Portugal, as the proposal for the 2025 State Budget is on the horizon. Within a week, the government will present its budget proposal to Parliament, a document that could significantly impact teachers' working conditions and recognition.

Ongoing Negotiations

In addition to the State Budget, other critical negotiations are in progress. In two weeks, the revision of the Teacher Career Statute will commence, a key issue for FENPROF aimed at improving teachers' conditions. Other highlighted topics include the reform of teacher training, review of teacher placement competitions, and mobility due to health issues, all of which directly affect daily school life and educators' careers.

Advocating for Teachers' Rights

According to FENPROF, this is a moment to reaffirm that the ongoing or upcoming review and negotiation processes must be genuinely negotiable, meaning that teachers' proposals should be effectively considered in final decisions. The union federation emphasizes the need for these processes to result in "the valorization of the teaching profession" and "the democratization of life in schools".

Teachers' Demands

Portuguese teachers have been advocating for greater recognition of their careers amidst successive negotiations with the government, which, from FENPROF's perspective, have not always led to tangible gains for the profession. Key demands include the full recovery of frozen service time, combating precarious work conditions, and reducing excessive working hours and bureaucracy.

A Day of Celebration and Protest

Thus, this Saturday's gathering will serve not only as a celebration of the essential role teachers play in society but also as a platform to bring visibility to their demands. FENPROF underscores the importance of mobilizing teachers on this day, given the significance of the current situation in the country (OE 2025) and in education (ongoing or anticipated review processes).

March and Speeches

After the gathering at Rossio, teachers and educators will march to Largo de Camões, where speeches from union representatives and teachers are expected. These speeches will focus on advocating for a more valued teaching career with dignified working conditions, directly impacting the quality of education in public schools across the country.

Addressing Educational Challenges

In a context where education faces increasingly complex challenges, from resource shortages to the need for modernization and adaptation to new social and technological demands, FENPROF reiterates that "giving voice to teachers" is not just about respecting their working conditions but also about ensuring the quality of the educational system as a whole.

For teachers, this October 5 will not just be a day of celebration but also a day of struggle and demand. As crucial decisions regarding the future of education in Portugal loom, educators are determined to make their presence felt and their voices heard.