Catholic Schools Association says government hasn't paid March-May subsidies

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

The Catholic Education Association (AVEC) has issued a communique, pointing out that the government owes 46.5 million bolivares, the total of March, April and May. The delay could affect the education of 400,000 children in 760 institutions.

AVEC admits that the government has cleared up a backlog of payments but complains that payments have become irregular causing problems among teachers and parents. The organization also recognizes the State's difficult financial situation, warning that some schools are barely surviving because of delayed government subsidies but also because many parents cannot pay the small monthly quota ... "many are unemployed or earn very little."

The press release also accuses the government of harassing and closing in on many schools, which AVEC says is unjust and causes more stress to families.

Meanwhile, State school teachers are threatening another march to demand salary increases and the setting up of a collective bargaining process, which expired in May 2002. Fetramagisterio president, Nelson Gonzalez has fixed a national march for June 12 ... "we have exhausted all other means and will not allow the Education Minister to continue delaying wage talks."