Patrik Nacher, the ANO leader in Prague, is championing a substantial initiative to address the persistently low wages of school cooks and cleaners in the city. His proposal suggests allocating one billion crowns in the city’s budget for this purpose, potentially offering a significant uplift for educational institutions in the area.

While the city council already has plans to allocate 700 million crowns to schools, encompassing funds for teachers, a comprehensive understanding of the financial status of these schools will only be available at the end of January. Further considerations for financing, including Nacher’s proposed allocation, will be deliberated in February, according to statements from Antonín Klecanda, the Councillor for Education.

Upon receiving these funds, school directors would have the autonomy to decide how to allocate them based on their respective needs. The funds could be directed towards enhancing salaries for teachers, janitors, cleaners, cooks, or assistants. Klecanda emphasizes that if there are proposals from the opposition to increase the allocated amount for schools, they must specify the source from which the additional funds will be derived.

The ANO party’s plan involves a direct allocation of approximately one billion crowns aimed at bolstering the salaries of non-teaching staff. The proposal is slated for discussion by the Council of Representatives on Monday, with the anticipation of being formally introduced during the budget deliberations scheduled for December 14th.

While this proposal may not represent a comprehensive, long-term solution, it marks a pivotal step towards rectifying the longstanding issue of low wages for non-teaching staff in Prague’s schools. The initiative reflects a commitment to addressing the wage disparities and improving the overall working conditions for crucial personnel within the educational system.

Article by Prague Forum