Today, together with a group of colleagues, Members of Parliament, we submitted for consideration to the Verkhovna Rada a draft Law on additional guarantees for teachers (reference number 3033a), which provides for the support of teachers in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers are one of the most vulnerable categories of citizens. In fulfilling their professional duty, they are constantly in contact with children and parents, putting themselves at increased risk.

We often and rightly speak about healthcare workers who are exposed to high risk of infection. Yet, this also applies to teachers to the same extent. We proposed to extend to teachers the provision according to which a diseased teacher must receive compensation from the state in the amount of 100 minimum salaries (UAH 472,300). If the disease has led to disability, the compensation should be increased to 300 minimum salaries (UAH 1,416,900). In the event of a teacher’s death due to coronavirus infection, his/her family must receive compensation from the state in the amount of 750 minimum salaries (UAH 3,542,250).

We must appreciate the work of teachers and their willingness to risk their health for the future of our children. I really hope that MPs will support our initiative and vote for our draft Law.