The Independent Union of Teachers and Educators (SIPE) met with the Regional Secretary of Education, Science and Technology, Elsa Fernandes, highlighting "positive signs" towards better valuing the teaching profession.
The meeting focused on presenting demands related to teachers' careers, including rectifying long-standing "injustices" and proposing measures to enhance equity, recognition, and attractiveness of the profession. Key topics included the repositioning and recovery of service time, the accounting of unconsidered service periods, and the awarding of bonuses for master's and doctoral degrees.
The Regional Secretary expressed openness to examining the proposals, acknowledging their significance and stating that these matters are currently under review. A revision of the Teaching Career Statute is expected to commence shortly, with anticipated responses by the end of the current calendar year.
SIPE also sought clarification on the application of bonuses and inquired about disparities between Madeira and the mainland regarding overtime hour calculations, receiving confirmation that the difference will be paid retroactively from 2018. Regarding training hours, clarifications will be sent to schools to standardize procedures. The union views these developments positively but emphasizes that essential issues remain unresolved.
