Skopje, 1 June 2022 (MIA) – I am open to cooperate with the members of union for higher education, as we had a social dialogue in the primary and secondary education sector, said Education Minister Jeton Shaqiri in regard to the announced protest of the professors from Skopje-based SS. Cyril and Methodius University. They demand signing of a collective agreement and higher salaries. Minister Shaqiri stated that the supplementary budget envisages higher salaries for higher education as of September, adding that the funds are provided and his predecessor Mila Carovska started that procedure. "They announced that they will hold a peaceful protest on the first day, afterwards I expect, next week to hold a meeting with them prior to June exam session,” Shaqiri told reporters during a visit to the primary school in Shuto Orizari municipality. Regarding the possible boycott of the June exam session, Shaqiri said that as for the strike in the schools, so for this he is against threats to interrupt classes. "And I do not see this as a right step of the union because neither I nor the government have ever said that there will be no talks and interruption of talks and that they will not have better conditions," Shaqiri said. He added that the ways of financing should be discussed, which are different for higher education institutions, and if well-organised budgets are created, greater success can be achieve.