Could schools close due to mandatory vaccination for teachers?

According to a recent coronavirus-related measure which was introduced by the Hungarian government, healthcare workers, teachers and educators have to be vaccinated. If they fail to do so, they have to take a compulsory leave of absence otherwise their work will be suspended. Trade unions have been organising strikes against mandatory vaccination for teachers. 

Compulsory vaccination for employees in education

According to Telex, the initial deadline to abide by this new regulation was 15 December, but the government has extended this period. Unvaccinated teachers and employees working in education have been warned this Monday to take the jab until the 30^th of December. Otherwise, they will not be abe to return to work from the 3^rd of January.

There are many individulas who do not agree with this measure. Last Saturday, residents in Devecser have organised demonstrations to side by teachers who refuse to take the vaccine. 

Additionally, Telex reports that both the Teachers’ Union (PSZ) and Teacher’s Democratic Union (PDSZ) will organise strikes on the 31^st of January to call the Government’s attention to the need to raise teachers’ pay as well as to dismiss the mandatory vaccination measure.

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The unions said that they would likely hold a strike only during the first two lessons of the class schedule, during which children are advised not to attend school, but they would also organise another strike in March that may last for days if necessary.

According to Péter Horváth, the chairman of the National Faculty of Education, it is expected that about 5-6% of teachers will not take the vaccine.