Madeira Announces New Initiative to Restore Teachers' Service Time
Madeira GuideMadeira's government takes a significant step in addressing long-standing grievances by announcing a plan to restore lost service years for teachers. This move affects educators from various regions and is set to begin in September 2026.
The government of Madeira has announced a new initiative aimed at restoring the lost service time for teachers who have experienced disruptions in their career paths since 2008. This announcement has been met with approval from local teacher unions, marking a significant step forward in addressing long-standing grievances.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Secretariat of Education, Science and Technology, aims to recover the service years lost by teachers due to career transitions and other disruptions. According to Francisco Oliveira, president of the Sindicato dos Professores da Madeira (SPM), this move is pivotal for educators who have been advocating for such a measure since 2008.
In addition to local educators, the plan also includes teachers from the Azores, mainland Portugal, and those from private education sectors. The recovery of service time is scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026, with a follow-up phase on the same date in 2027.
José Nunes, a leader from the Sindicato Democrático dos Professores da Madeira (SDPM), expressed satisfaction with the government's return to negotiations and highlighted this as a crucial development in reinstating the rights of teachers across the region.
This decision is part of three key legislative measures currently being negotiated, all aimed at improving the conditions and recognition of teachers in Madeira. As education plays a vital role in the local community and economy, this restoration of service time is seen as a positive move towards enhancing educational standards on the island.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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