School's Out for Bulgarian Teachers

Sofia's striking teachers have taken to the streets today, in a rally for higher pay, and have sworn to stage a meeting which will block a good portion of the centre of Sofia for half a day on the 11th of October. The teachers have already collected tens of thousands of signatures in their support, which will be submitted to the Bulgarian Parliament.

This Thursday, the strike committee has called on teachers, parents and students to assemble at 11 am in front of the Council of Ministers and at 2 pm in front of Parliament. The teachers will continue to strike and rally until a settlement is reached between the trade unions supporting them and the ministries of education and finance. As the strike begins its third week, an estimated 95 percent of teachers and educational staff have participated, making most Bulgarian children quite happy to receive an extra two weeks (so far) of vacation.