Approximately 8,000 teachers work more than 50 km from home, many without travel support, education unions in Portugal warn.
Source: Adobe Stock
Author: Redaction
Teachers facing high commuting costs
Around eight thousand teachers in Portugal teach more than 50 kilometres from home, many without entitlement to travel support, which represents a significant burden on their monthly budget. According to the National Education Federation, some teachers spend around 250 euros per month on fuel.
Out of more than 120,000 teachers, this group continues to face difficulties related to distance, with many commuting over 100 kilometres per day. The extraordinary travel support only covers those placed at least 70 kilometres from home, leaving several teachers excluded.
Unions warn of inequalities in support
Teachers’ unions warn of the need to review the criteria for teacher travel support, considering that many professionals still receive no compensation despite long daily commutes.
The National Education Federation states that most teachers are placed within 50 kilometres, but stresses that thousands remain in demanding situations, with financial and personal impact. Teacher travel support is therefore considered insufficient given the reality on the ground.
Review of recruitment and teacher mobility model
In parallel, negotiations are ongoing regarding the review of the Teaching Career Statute and teacher recruitment models. The Ministry of Education proposes a system with a national competition and a new continuous recruitment process, aimed at responding to needs throughout the school year.
The proposal also foresees that teachers may apply for mobility more flexibly, aiming to improve teacher placement and reduce situations of teacher shortages in schools. Unions call for adjustments to the model to ensure greater fairness and efficiency in recruitment and teacher mobility.
The negotiation process will continue in upcoming meetings, where contributions from the different union structures will be analysed.
中文(简体)
Português
English
Français
Español
Deutsch
Nederlands
Русский
