Romanian President Says Job Cuts In Education Target Substitutes, Pensioners

"This 15,000 job cut isn't simply an administrative measure, it's the result of the financing system. Cost standards per student have been established and teachers will be paid from the money brought in. (...) This will force schools to become more efficient and discard substitutes, not teachers with tenure, and of teachers who are retired but continue to teach," Basescu said.

"Some of these teachers have served the education system, I wish them happy retirement and good health, and others aren't qualified for this job, they're substitutes," Basescu added.

He also said this staff cut in the education system doesn't target curriculum reform .

"I hope the 2010-2011 school year starts with a different structure. For instance, kids in highschool now take 13 and even 14 subjects. In a reformed education system, they should have six or seven subjects per year. If curricular reform is achieved, job cuts may be even vaster," Basescu said.

The government passed an emergency decree last week to cut the number of jobs in the education system by 10% in 2010 compared to 2004. The cut is to be operated in two stages, by August 31 and by December 31.

Government spokeswoman Ioana Muntean said Tuesday the number of budgeted jobs in the education system has been established based on cost standards and cuts don't target tenured teachers.

Unions said they will contest the decree and threaten to go on general strike saying the government hasn't discussed the measure with social partners and unions.

Education Minister Daniel Funeriu said Tuesday no one will be affected by this decree during the current academic year. He added he invited unions to talks for January 5.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.