Between 1,500 and 1,800 teachers at 26 state secondary schools and two private schools in Iceland have gone on strike today, ruv.is reports.
The action comes after the majority of members at state schools of the Icelandic Teachers’ Union voted in favor of going on strike.
The negotiating committee of the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Iceland met yesterday to go over the status of discussions with the state on a new wage agreement. Teachers argue that wages have not risen in line with comparable professions, as previously promised in an agreement with the state.
Some students at Menntaskólinn við Sund (MS) have decided to opt for peer-teaching while the strike is ongoing, arguing that they still need to prepare for exams. School buildings remain open and students are able to use the classrooms and libraries.
Secondary school teachers last went on strike in 2000-2001. The strike lasted two months.
