Teachers in Honduras called for a national strike on Wednesday to demand the elimination of executive decrees that declared both health and education sectors in a state of national emergency and other methods of attempted privatization.
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In a statement, teachers called on members from Honduras' 18 departments to join in the marches that will be taking place on Thursday and Friday in all departments and concentrated in Tegucigalpa. They have requested that schools and educational institutions make their premises available for participants of the demonstrations.
The secretary of the Professional Teachers Union of Honduras (COPRUMH), Daniel Esponda, confirmed that there would be no classes Friday for the public education system of Honduras.
The teachers' referendum also included the acknowledgment of support from the National Pedagogic University Francisco Morazan (UPNFM), the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), and parents and students who have joined the protests.
"Historically, the Teachers Union has not lost any struggle in the country because their requests have always been fair and for the benefit of the people. Over 60,000 teachers join together again in #Honduras, demanding the elimination of emergency decrees in health and education."
The union of teachers condemned the repression they experienced at the hands of the national police and special forces. The statement also included the reiteration of their firm stance on the platform for the defense of education and health.
The protests have been ongoing since last April when the national Congress repealed two of the controversial decrees during a rushed session. This decision was made after chaotic demonstrations in the Honduran capital that resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and police forces. While these decrees were repealed, the current demand is to eliminate them permanently.
Esponda added that in order for teachers to achieve their goals, including the restructuring of the education secretary and filling more seats, they do not need new laws or emergency decrees. He stresses that this can be achieved simply by enforcing the Teachers' Statute.