The Union of University Employees of Albania (SPUSH) has decided to boycott teaching at all public universities in the country, in solidarity with students and pupils who have been protesting for months. The decision was taken unanimously by the union’s leadership on 20 October and took effect on 21 October, and the boycott will continue until a further notice. The head of the Union of Pedagogues, Skënder Kovaçi, said there is no dialogue with Prime Minister Edi Rama. “We cannot continue teaching when our students are being abused. We are of one mind with the students”, Kovaçi declared, calling for an end to violence and an investigation into the use of police force.
In an official statement, SPUSH expressed support for the demands of the protesters, noting that their concerns relate to the quality of education, healthcare, security and the accountability of institutions. According to the union, the lack of dialogue and the response to the protests have escalated the situation. “The response they have received has not been dialogue, but silence and, since 13 October onward, even extreme violence”, the statement reads.
The educators consider it unacceptable to continue the teaching process as normal at a time when their students are facing violence during protests. “Educators cannot continue teaching as usual while their students are being beaten in the streets”, SPUSH stresses, adding that the academic staff shares common concerns with students about political and economic developments, corruption and the lack of meritocracy.
The union’s four demands
In its position, SPUSH calls for an immediate end to violence against students and peaceful protesters, as well as an independent investigation of cases of use of force. Union members also demand that those responsible be held accountable for their actions, and that detained students be guaranteed lawful and dignified treatment. Another demand is that the demands of the students and pupils who have taken to the protests be met. “We demand an immediate end to the use of violence against students and peaceful protesters”, the union’s announcement states, calling for full transparency about the events that have taken place since 13 October.
Educators will protest every day at 10:00
In addition to the teaching boycott, educators have announced that they will actively take part in the protest. They will gather every day at 10:00 in front of the Central Building of the Polytechnic University of Tirana to show support for the students. SPUSH has called on the rectors and leaders of public universities to respect the union’s decision and not to take disciplinary measures against educators or students who take part in the boycott and protests.
Meanwhile, the union clarifies that the temporary interruption of classes will not affect the further development of the academic process. Lost hours will be made up after the boycott ends, while educators are asked to maintain communication with students and provide them with the necessary teaching materials. “The boycott is not abandonment of the lecture hall”, SPUSH emphasises, making clear that educators will return to teaching when students receive the response they deserve to their demands.
With this decision, the union of public universities extends its support beyond statements, turning solidarity with the protesters into an organised boycott of the teaching process, with no set date for its end.