The dispute over secondary teachers' working hours is threatening the smooth start to the new school year. The union OELMEK claims that the Ministry of Education had agreed to its request in February to cut working hours of teachers with 6-7 years experience from 24 to 22 and from 22 to 20 for teachers with working experience of 13-15 years. On the other hand, the Ministry of Education's stance is that this was a request from the union and is still under consideration, but no promises were made.

If the dispute is not resolved by next Wednesday, OELMEK members could reduce their working hours without the Ministry's endorsement, to which the Ministry responded by warning that if this happens, any less hours worked will be docked from their pay.