Strikes Loom Over Croatian Secondary Schools

The news in Croatian

1. srednjoškolski
   koji se odnosi na srednju školu ↩︎
2. štrajk  (m.)
   prestanak rada kao oblik protesta radnika ↩︎
3. obrazovan
   koji se odnosi na obrazovanje ↩︎
4. reforma  (f.)
   promjena planirana za poboljšanje sustava ↩︎
5. izazvati
   prouzročiti nešto, uzrokovati ↩︎
6. poteškoća  (f.)
   stanje ili osjećaj kada nešto nije lako ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Why are secondary school teachers in Croatia planning a strike?

Question 2: What does the Teachers’ Union want from the government?

Vocabulary

Croatian	English
srednjoškolski	secondary school
štrajk  (m.)	strike
obrazovan	educational
reforma  (f.)	reform
izazvati	cause
poteškoća  (f.)	difficulty

Read the full story

The Croatian education sector is bracing for potential disruptions as secondary school teachers announce strikes during a crucial period. The proposed actions come at a time when students are wrapping up their academic year with final grade assessments and the nationwide state maturity exam.

Representatives from the Nezavisni Sindikat Zaposlenih u Srednjim Školama Hrvatske (NSZSŠH) and other education unions have confirmed their plans for a possible strike, should negotiations with the government fail. Zrinko Turalija, head of the NSZSŠH, remarked that while there is room for dialogue, the willingness to strike reflects frustration over unresolved issues, primarily concerning the implementation of a new vocational education reform and pay structure adjustments.

The discussions between unions and the Ministry of Education have been ongoing, yet two reconciliation attempts have not reached any substantial agreement. Turalija emphasized that the decision to strike wasn’t taken lightly, as it coincides with critical academic evaluations and provides a challenge for both students and educators. “Our aim is to minimize the impact on students and their academic pursuits,” he noted, acknowledging the concerns of students and parents alike.

According to Željko Stipić, president of the education union Preporod, primary school teachers have opted out of striking. Despite a union majority indicating readiness, the primary education sector decided not to partake, aiming to avoid disrupting younger students’ schooling.

Sindikati (the unions) base their strike decision on a recent referendum, indicating that over 50% of secondary school staff support the strike action. Turalija further stated that the upcoming reform, which includes the introduction of modular teaching in vocational schools, lacks adequate preparatory measures and evaluations, labeling it an “untested experiment.” This concern is echoed by Matija Kroflin of the Union of Science and Higher Education, who criticized the push for a hasty implementation without a viable assessment framework.

The Ministry of Education responded by highlighting their commitment to educational improvements over the years. The ministry assures the public that the final exams and grading will proceed as planned, rejecting claims without holding merit for a strike. Furthermore, they emphasized that financial constraints bind their ability to fulfill certain union demands.

The situation remains tense, as both parties recognize the critical timing of their potential actions. While stress grows over further disruptions, the stakeholders continue to seek a resolution that addresses union concerns and keeps students’ interests as a top priority.”

Info: ‘Croatian Learner News’ is a service from ‘Let’s Learn Croatian’, a dedicated language school offering various online courses for learning Croatian. We provide an immersive experience through our language holidays in Croatia, enabling learners to practice their skills in a native setting.