In response to various demands, the National Federation of Secondary Teachers (Fenapes) It began on Tuesday with a series of protests in several educational centers in the country, as a prelude to the 48-hour strike that ends this October 16. Eight high schools were occupied during the first day of a strike considered “political” by the organization, in opposition to the “Educational Transformation” proposed by the national government authorities.
Among the high schools taken for teachers and students are Liceo 9, 26, 51, 35 (IAVA), and 6 (Bauzá) in Montevideo. In the case of Liceo 4 (Zorrilla), the occupation was carried out by students from the metropolitan area, who distributed YES ballots during the day. There were also protests at Liceo 1 of San Carlos (Maldonado) and Liceo 1 of Solymar (Canelones). These actions are part of a broader mobilization that will continue on Wednesday with a march in the city center, supported by the Pit-Cnt and other educational unions.
The union warns about the possible reduction of groups that will result in “overcrowding” in classrooms. According to the complaint, the Secondary school also plans to eliminate part of the fourth year, affecting 27 groupsand reorganize schedules to reduce from three shifts to two, which would limit the workload for students. Fenapes reaffirms that these decisions have profound political implications.
Evictions and growing tensions: a conflict that worsens
In most of the high schools, the eviction was carried out peacefully around 4:00 p.m., without police intervention, thanks to an agreement between the teachers. However, in the Lyceum 35students and teachers remained in the building until three hours later, awaiting the arrival of the police. This exceptional situation took place in a serene environment, although they highlighted the lack of a ramp promised by the authorities.
The Lyceum 35occupied by about 30 people, was finally evicted at 7:00 p.m. after four police officers and a Republican Guard van showed up at the scene. following the “immediate” eviction request from the Ministry of Labor (MTSS). This intervention was carried out peacefully, despite the history of chants and slogans that characterized previous occupations.
Jennifer Cherro’s gesture that altered spirits
The relationship between Fenapes and the educational authorities was even more deteriorated when Jennifer Cherrosecondary director, canceled a bipartite meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
He justified his decision based on the simultaneous occupations, according to reports provided by educational sources to the media. The director invited the union to resume the dialogue at the monthly meeting next Monday 21while Fenapes seeks to establish a tripartite meeting mediated by the MTSS for five days.
José Olivera, vice president of Fenapes, expressed that the “suspension” of the meeting by Cherro represents an “aggravation of the conflict.” This scenario motivated the proclamation of a “political” strike by the union, which stands out for its duration and proximity to the national elections. Fenapes denounces a budget cut in education of US$300 million in this period, a figure that the authorities deny.
