A significant number of teachers in Alytus have initiated a class boycott in response to the dismissal of a colleague and are contemplating a strike due to dissatisfaction with local authorities' handling of the situation.
In Alytus, Lithuania, about 20 teachers have boycotted classes following the contentious dismissal of a well-known ethics teacher, M. Platūkienė, due to repeated disciplinary actions for alleged violence against students. The situation has escalated, with the Lithuanian Education Workers' Union expressing disappointment over the local mayor's handling of the matter, indicating that teachers are prepared to fight for their rights as long as necessary. This incident highlights the tensions between educational authorities and teaching staff regarding issues of safety and student treatment.
The director of A. Ramanausko-Vanago Gymnasium, Aleksandras Kirilovas, emphasizes the legitimacy of the dismissal decision and acknowledges the pressure the union is applying to both the school community and the municipal authorities. Teachers are increasingly feeling insecure, with warnings that the education sector may soon face significant teacher shortages. The conflict is not only affecting the student body but is also drawing in local law enforcement agencies, with reports of police threats to the protesters.
As the situation continues to develop, both the union and the teachers are escalating their responses, indicating a possible labor strike. This unrest raises grave concerns about the future of education in Alytus and could lead to broader implications for the educational policy and treatment of teachers across Lithuania.
