It took the balance and prudence of monseñor José Rafael Quirós to bring the strike by teachers to an end. ALL schools will be holding classes to day after almost one month, a number of teachers walked out on May 5, protesting the non-payment of their salaries, some since the start of the school year in February.
It was just before midnight last night when the government and the leaders of the teachers unions signed and agreement, put an to the strike.
One of the key points of the agreement ensures that all outstanding salary payments owed to teachers will be within three days.
The agreement also calls for the government to provide not later than June 15 a historical breakdown of salary payments and other information related to salaries.
The Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) has agreed not to change (extend) the school calendar year.
The agreement also confirms that there will be no sanctions against teachers who participated in the strike.
Today’s lessons wil resume in all schools and colleges across the country.
The agreement was reached with the mediation of the Catholic Church and the signing of the agreement took place at the headquarters of the Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica, in Barrio Mexico.
In total, thousands of students lost 21 school days.
