Hungarian teachers go on strike against govt, demand reforms

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Thousands of teachers in Hungary are holding a one-day strike against Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s centralization of the education system.

Wednesday’s strike, the first major one against Orban’s conservative government, was announced by the country’s largest teachers’ union. The response by teachers has been strong, with reports of classes being partially or fully suspended at hundreds of schools across the country.

The teachers’ union also asked for all unions to halt work at noon for five minutes in solidarity with their demands.

The government has promised some concessions, including fewer classes for students and a reduction in administrative work. The centralized education authority, known by its acronym of KLIK, is also slated to be eliminated.

Teachers have held several rallies and shorter work stoppages in the past months.