Skopje, 8 August 2024 (MIA) — In line with GDP growth and the collective agreement signed with the union representing teachers working in public education, teachers' paychecks will be increased by some 12 percent in March, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska said in response to reporters' questions Wednesday.

While inspecting works on a new elementary school gym under construction in the Bulachani village, Minister Janevska said she had had constructive meetings with Education, Science and Culture Workers' Union representatives as well as with groups of teachers.

"I had two meetings with the Education, Science and Culture Workers' Union," she said, adding that they were "constructive" and achieved "great understanding not only with the union but also individually with groups of teachers." 

"I asked them both before and after the elections to have some patience," the education minister said. 

"I know what a paycheck means. I know what it means to live paycheck to paycheck. But you know the Ministry is in debt, you know the state is in debt, so this year we really cannot take any steps in that direction. And as a minister, I cannot allow my teachers' paychecks to be increased by 200-300 denars only. 

"Forgive me for saying they are mine, but I am responsible for them and they are mine," Janevska said. 

She added, however, that talks had been held with the finance minister to increase teachers' salaries as of March 2025 by 10 to 12 percent, depending on GDP and according to their collective agreement. 

"I think this will be a 12-percent raise," Janevska said.

Last month, the new education minister said the government would make every effort to gradually increase teachers' pay, voicing her belief that a new collective agreement for primary and secondary education would be signed by the end of her term in office. mr/