Poland: Striking teachers renew pay talks with government

A woman walks by a school where teachers are taking part in nationwide pay strike, with banners declaring the participation in the strike and also parent's support for it, in Warsaw, Poland, Monday, April 15, 2019. The right-wing government says it has money only to grant half of the teachers' demands in a sign that its policy of pre-election spending has reached its limit.(AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

WARSAW, Poland – Polish teachers' unions and the government are holding a new round of pay negotiations as tension mounts on the second week of a teachers' strike that has closed most schools.

Striking teachers expressed little hope for an agreement after the government insisted it has no funds to fully grant teachers' demands for a 30% pay hikes. It is offering 15% increases and more talks about reorganizing the pay system.

Two main teachers' unions were meeting with government ministers Thursday to find a way to end the strike, which has drawn support from many students, parents and artists. But the strikes have also raised concern about whether crucial exams could be held in May.

Many teachers in Poland earn less than supermarket cashiers.

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