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A group of teachers in the southern Hungarian city of Mohács is organizing a demonstration against compulsory vaccination, as they believe many will change their profession as a result of this measure. The two major teachers’ unions have also been invited to the demonstration. Employees from other companies where compulsory vaccination has been introduced have also expressed their desire to participate.

This article was originally published by our sister-site, Ungarn Heute.

Csaba Hetyei, a teacher from the city of Mohács, told news portal Index that the unvaccinated teachers in the area created several groups on social media in the past to be able to discuss their problems with each other. Since the number of interested people exceeded expectations, they have decided to organize a demonstration. The aim of the protest is to make the government aware that the introduction of compulsory vaccination will cause severe problems in the teaching system.

Compulsory Vaccination Endangers Schools' Operation, Teachers' Organizations Say
Compulsory Vaccination Endangers Schools' Operation, Teachers' Organizations Say

While vaccination is compulsory in state-maintained institutions, this is not the case in those run by the church, or private schools (where the institution's leader may have the final say).Continue reading

The two teachers’ unions, PSZ and PDSZ, who have also critized the compulsory vaccination, warning that it will potentially lead to teachers leaving their professions or at least public education, were also invited to the demonstration. According to Hetyei, employees of other companies who were also required to be vaccinated have also expressed their desire to participate.

According to the decree, teachers must be vaccinated by December 15 or they will be put on unpaid leave and terminated after one year.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources (EMMI), 90 percent of teachers have already been vaccinated, so regular classes are not threatened with serious problems. However, the ministry fails to mention that there has been a shortage of teachers in Hungary for years, especially in the field of natural sciences, so more teachers leaving the profession or public education will indeed have a bad impact on the sector.

Compulsory Vaccination in Public Sphere May Lead to Further Staff Shortages
Compulsory Vaccination in Public Sphere May Lead to Further Staff Shortages

There aren't enough police and firefighters on duty now, and because of this recent decision "there will be no one to get the job done," according to the president of one of the trade unions.Continue reading

Featured photo illustration by Tibor Rosta/MTI


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