Teachers’ union PDSZ to stay away from education roundtable

Budapest, February 22 (MTI) – The Democratic Trade Union of Teachers (PDSZ) will not participate in further roundtable discussions on public education organised by the government, the leader of the union said on Monday.

PDSZ does not regard the forum legitimate since the majority of its participants are organisations associated with the government, László Mendrey told a press conference after PDSZ held its 12th congress.

He said that PDSZ would not be a “pseudo opposition” party at the talks, and urged cooperation in a prospective strike with PSZ, the other major teachers’ union.

Mendrey said PDSZ would participate in the Civic Public Education Platform set up by 45 civil organisations and trade unions last week, separately from the government-initiated roundtable.

Responding to Mendrey’s statement, László Palkovics, the education state secretary, voiced incomprehension over the move, and noted Mendrey’s approving remarks after the first roundtable.

The government’s next roundtable discussion is scheduled for Tuesday.

Photo: MTI

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters