The Union of University Employees of Albania (SPUSH) has announced a boycott of teaching at all public universities in the country, in solidarity with the students and pupils protesting in Tirana. According to the union's announcement, the boycott will start on October 21 and will continue until further notice.
The decision was taken unanimously by the union leadership during a meeting held on October 20 at the student protest square. The union says that this initiative comes in support of the demands of young people and in defense of their right to protest peacefully.
In its argument for the decision, SPUSH states that students have been demanding quality education, dignified healthcare, security for life and property, and accountability for months. According to the union, the response to these demands has been silence and, since October 13, the use of violence, which it describes as extreme.
"Teachers cannot continue teaching as usual while their students are being hit on the street," the announcement said.
The union also emphasizes that the teachers share the same concerns as the students regarding political and economic developments in the country, corruption and the lack of meritocracy. Through the boycott, it aims to express support for the youth and seek answers to the issues raised by them.
SPUSH demands an immediate end to the use of violence against students and peaceful protesters. Another demand is the development of an independent and transparent investigation into the use of force since October 13, as well as the holding accountable of those who, according to the union, have ordered and used violence.
The notice also requires the lawful and dignified treatment of every escorted student, as well as the fulfillment of the requests of students and pupils.
The union calls on rectors and heads of higher education institutions to respect the decision to boycott and not take disciplinary measures against participating professors or students.
"The boycott is not an abandonment of the auditorium. It is our way of showing that the auditorium, without rights and without dignity, loses its meaning. We will return to the auditorium as soon as our students receive the response they deserve," the union emphasizes.
SPUSH calls on the teachers to actively engage in the protest. According to the organization made public, they will gather every day at 10:00 in front of the Central Building of the Polytechnic University of Tirana, to continue supporting the students.
In parallel, teachers are required to maintain constant communication with students, provide them with teaching materials and any other necessary assistance. The union announces that classes lost during the boycott will be compensated in the future.
According to the announcement, all governing authorities of public higher education institutions will be informed of the decision.
