Guatemalan Teachers Get 5% Raise After Protests

Guatemala's President Arévalo Announces 5% Salary Increase for Teachers Guatemala City – In a surprising turn of events, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has announced a 5% salary increase for public school teachers, effective June 1st, 2025. This decision comes after the teachers’ union initially rejected the proposed increase. The announcement was made via a short video posted on social media, showing Arévalo alongside the Minister of Education, Anabella Aguiarica. "This is just one step towards recovering public education and improving the education system," Arévalo stated in the video. The video also displayed the official government decree, highlighting the 5% salary increase. The decree, numbered 92-2025, was published in the official gazette. The decision follows weeks of protests and school closures by teachers demanding better pay and working conditions. The video footage shows images of teachers demonstrating, highlighting the tension that preceded the government's decision. Minister Aguiarica added, "We know how hard you work to teach, and this salary increase is well-deserved." The government's move is seen as an attempt to address the concerns of the teachers and restore normalcy to the education system. The unexpected announcement and the government's swift action to implement the salary increase are positive steps towards resolving the conflict and ensuring a better future for Guatemala's students.