Solidarity bridges the pay gap
01 April 2025
Two-thirds of all teachers in Serbia are on strike, supporting the protesting students. Around 20,000 of them were subsequently left partially or fully unpaid. Now, in a compelling display of cross-worker solidarity, Serbia's self-organised IT community raised over 61.8 million dinars (around €528,100) to cover their salaries.
The Alek Kavčić Foundation, which raises money for science and education efforts, followed suit, distributing over 73 million dinars (€623,800) to support educators. Together, these efforts have ensured around 6,000 payouts so far.
 | Nevena Vračar The situation in Serbia remains chaotic. Some schools are fully on strike, others partially, with irregularly scheduled classes lasting only 30 minutes. Even though striking is a legally protected protest, the Serbian government justifies withholding salaries by arguing that wages are tied to work performance. Teachers are supposed to receive their pay as soon as they make up for missed lessons. While the government presents this as a lawful consequence of unfulfilled work obligations, many see it as a punitive tactic meant to suppress the ongoing discontent sweeping the country. But with solidarity cutting through the government's firm grip, one thing is clear: the teachers are not alone in this fight. |
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