Two unions have called a three-day strike, starting on Monday, in protest against government plans to increase the number of annual teaching hours at high schools.

High-school teachers will hold a demonstration in The Hague on Monday afternoon. The organisers say they expect some 1,500 teachers to turn out for the protest. The stoppage has been called by the Teachers in Action (LIA) and Abvakabo FNV unions.

The unions oppose plans by the education ministry to raise the number of annual teaching hours from 1,000 to 1,040. And they don’t want the education minister to set the number of holiday days. The unions say that’s for the employers to decide with the employees.

The LIA union claims there is widespread support for the strike. It says it expects janitors and other supporting staff to join the action. 

The Upper House of Parliament has yet to endorse the increase in the number of teaching hours. Abvakabo says next week’s strike is intended to give a clear signal ahead of a decision.

(cl/tt)

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