Teachers threaten another national strike in pay dispute

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Teaching unions have given the government an ultimatum to raise salaries otherwise they will organise another national strike on November 6.

Earlier this year they called for €423.5m extra for funding in 2020, more than half of this for the beleaguered primary sector.

Last week, reports broadcaster NOS, prime minister Mark Rutte said he was ready to pledge more money to combat a desperate teacher shortage but did not give an amount.

Unions have said that classes are being sent home across the country due to a lack of teaching staff, and this week an Amsterdam school announced it would close due to shortages.

Unions have given the government until October 21 to respond to their demands for higher salaries and less working pressure.

An international survey earlier this month by Oeso showed that Dutch teachers work relatively more, with larger classes, but also earn relatively more. Dutch primary teachers are typically paid for 930 hours a year, according to the survey (roughly three days a week).

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