Poland's current education reform not to harm teachers' interests: minister

Poland's Minister of National Education Anna Zalewska said Monday that the government's new plan was "well thought out," and there would be no layoffs of teachers as a result of the reforms.

"I support Polish Teachers' Union demands and I can assure that they should not be afraid about their jobs," said Zalewska after meeting with the union's representatives.

She also added that the government plans in this regard were "responsible, well thought out and take into account interests of various groups."

The meeting's main target was to discuss the details concerning a new independent body that would be responsible for managing teachers' work status and other arrangements. It is estimated that about 600,000 workers might find themselves in an unclear situation regarding their professional status.

At the same day, Teachers' Union held protests throughout the country against the planned reforms to the education system. It is estimated that approximately 25,000 teachers took part in the protests.

According to current reform plans, starting next year, the current model of six-year elementary, three-year lower secondary and three-year higher secondary schools will be replaced by eight-year elementary and four-year secondary school or five-year vocational school.

Union's president, Slawomir Broniarz, told journalists that he is willing to hold further talks with the government. Endit