
The Union of University Employees of Albania (SPUSH) has launched a teaching boycott at all public universities in the country, in solidarity with the protesting students and pupils.
The decision was made unanimously by the union leadership on October 20, while the boycott begins on October 21 and will continue until further notice.
In an official statement, the union said students have been protesting for months for quality education, dignified healthcare, safety of life and property, and accountability. According to it, the response to their demands has been silence and, since October 13, violence.
"Students have been protesting for months for quality education, dignified healthcare, safety of life and property, for the right to accountability, etc. The response they have received has not been dialogue, but silence and, since October 13th and onwards, extreme violence. Teachers cannot continue teaching as usual, while their students are being beaten in the streets. Teachers share the same opinions as students regarding political and economic developments, rampant corruption, the lack of meritocracy, etc.," the Union's announcement on the reasons for the boycott states.
SPUSH demands an immediate end to violence against students and peaceful protesters, an independent and transparent investigation into the use of force, holding those responsible accountable, dignified treatment of the escorted students, and meeting the protesters' demands.
"We demand an immediate halt to the use of violence against students and peaceful protesters; An independent and transparent investigation into the use of force from October 13 onwards, as well as holding accountable those who ordered and carried out this unprecedented violence; The lawful and dignified treatment of every escorted student; The fulfillment of the demands of students and pupils."
The union calls on rectors and directors of public higher education institutions to respect the decision and not take disciplinary measures against participating professors and students.
In addition to boycotting classes, the teachers will actively participate in the protest. Every day, at 10:00, they will gather in front of the Central Building of the Polytechnic University of Tirana to continue their support for the students.
The union emphasizes that the lessons will be compensated later and asks teachers to stay in communication with students, offering them support and teaching materials as needed.
"A boycott is not abandoning the classroom," the announcement states, noting that teachers will return to class as soon as students receive the response they deserve.