The European Party of Ukraine believes that wages for Ukrainian teachers should be at least 10 000 UAH per month. This was stated by the leader of the European Party of Ukraine Mykola Katerynchuk in response to the statement of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine concerning an increase of salaries for teachers to 5266 UAH per month from January 1, 2017.
Obviously, a 2 thousand salary increase for teachers is a positive decision. It is quite significant, but hardly sufficient. The question is, what was the ministry guided by in determining exactly this amount – 5266 UAH? In our opinion, it is quite unreasonable. If in rural areas it is still possible to live with such salary, teachers in cities will have to survive. Additionally, the state usually violates the guarantees for teaching staff under the Article 57 of the Law of Ukraine “On Education”, which provide compensation and benefits for teachers, especially for utilities. This situation gives additional risks of corruption, teachers are forced to tutor or take bribes, which affects the quality of education.
If you recall, a few weeks ago People`s Deputies also raised their wages, arguing that they fight corruption, but in 2 times, which is now 36 000 UAH. Why, then, not less important teaching profession should provide the 5 times smaller wages?
Speaking about the European experience, for them an average monthly salary for teachers is 2-4 thousand dollars, and Switzerland beats all the records and offers teachers almost 6 thousand dollars per month. Now Ukraine only builds its economy, so such amounts is unattainable for us. But we have to do everything to provide a decent wages for teachers, who has difficult and responsible profession. An increase of salaries for teachers to at least 10 000 UAH per month should be a priority while forming the state budget.
The Leader of the European Party of Ukraine
Mykola Katerynchuk