The trade unionists from education and science said the teachers cannot cope on the salaries they receive at present. The average salary in the field is now 3,500 lei. Discussions on the issue were held in a meeting of the General Council of the Education and Science Trade Union that was attended by Minister of Education Maia Sandu, IPN reports.

The Trade Union’s head Dumitru Ivanov said the teachers from the primary, secondary and higher education, especially those working in rural areas, cannot cover all the costs with an average salary of 3,500 lei as they have to pay rent, the bills, the transport and to buy food. Increasing the salary can represent a solution for removing corruption from the education sector.

He said that he had a meeting with Prime Minister Iurie Leanca where they discussed a possible raise in salaries in this sector in 2014, but additional discussions are to be held.

Maia Sandu said a comprehensive program for improving the work conditions of teachers will be worked out. The raise in pays is an important element of this program. Relevant proposals will be submitted over the next months.