BOLZANO. State teachers in full-time service between 1 July 2023 and 31 December 2024 will be paid the sum as an advance on inflation “one-off” of 3,948 euros grosswithout distinction between school levels and length of service. This is what is foreseen in the agreement, which will be signed shortly, reached by the school unions with the provincial agency for labor relations.
This is a further contract-extract of an economic nature, concerning the three-year period 2022-2024. The Flc/Gbw, category of the school of CGIL/AGB says it is “only partially satisfied”. “In fact - explains a note – the sum, combined with the advance obtained with the previous contract, actually corresponds to an increase oscillating between 3.2% for older high school teachers and 5.6% for younger teachers of the primaries, against a three-year inflation (NIC index) for the Municipality of Italy food» – News”>Bolzano of around 17.6% for the period in question”.
“Once again we are forced to think about ‘advances’ paid late over the three-year contractual period and this is due to the customs of the Province of belatedly allocate funds that are in any case insufficient for contract renewals“, states the secretary of the category, Stefano Barbacetto. “The commitment of the Flc/GBW to recover the lost purchasing power will therefore continue in 2025. In fact, we await the conclusion of the national collective agreement for the three-year period 2022/24 and the investments on the school promised by the provincial council”, concludes the trade unionist in a note.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Education Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Laura Mancini, an education policy expert, to discuss the recent agreement in Bolzano regarding teacher compensation. Dr. Mancini, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Laura Mancini (DLM): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The agreement in Bolzano includes a one-off payment of nearly 4,000 euros gross for state teachers. What are the implications of such financial adjustments for teachers, especially considering the context of inflation?
DLM: This agreement is certainly noteworthy. A one-off payment of 3,948 euros for teachers is aimed at addressing the rising cost of living due to inflation. It’s significant in that it provides immediate relief to educators, acknowledging the financial pressures they face. However, it’s also crucial to note that this is a temporary solution, rather than a long-term fix for salary disparities in the education sector.
TNE: You mentioned this payment is a temporary solution. The Flc/Gbw union stated that they are “only partially satisfied” with the agreement. What might be the underlying concerns for educators?
DLM: Many educators believe that while the advance payment is welcome, it does not tackle the root issues affecting their salaries. Teachers seek sustainable salary increases that consider their experience and the rising demands of their profession. There’s a persistent call for more comprehensive reforms that address not only inflation but also long-term salary equity across different school levels.
TNE: This agreement is part of a broader three-year plan for 2022-2024. How does this agreement fit into the larger picture of educational funding and teacher compensation in Italy?
DLM: It’s essential to view this in the context of ongoing discussions about educational funding in Italy. The three-year plan aims to stabilize and improve teacher compensation, but also reflects the broader challenges facing the educational system—namely, attracting and retaining qualified teachers. Sustainable funding mechanisms and policies that reflect the value of educators in our society are critical for this sector’s future.
TNE: As we look ahead, what could be the potential next steps for the unions and the provincial agency for labor relations after this agreement is signed?
DLM: Once the agreement is signed, the unions will likely continue advocacy for further negotiations, pushing for stronger contracts that include more substantial salary increases and better working conditions. There will also be an emphasis on ensuring that these financial adjustments lead to lasting systemic changes. The focus may shift towards discussions on professional development, resources, and support for teachers, which are crucial for improving the overall quality of education.
TNE: Before we conclude, what message do you think this agreement sends to other regions in Italy regarding teacher compensation?
DLM: This agreement in Bolzano could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges. It highlights the importance of recognizing the financial burdens facing educators and suggests that timely interventions are necessary. It sends a signal that teacher welfare cannot be overlooked and that proactive measures must be taken to ensure that educators feel valued and supported in their roles.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Mancini, for shedding light on this important topic. It seems that while the agreement provides some immediate benefits, there’s much more work to be done for lasting change in the education sector.
DLM: Absolutely, and thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue!
TNE: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in. We’ll continue to follow developments in teacher compensation and education policy. Stay informed with Time.News!