Thousands of Romanian teachers protest for higher salaries

More than 2,000 teachers and other education employees Wednesday marched through the capital calling for higher salaries, and clothing and Internet allowances.

Teachers carrying banners demanding more national funding for education came from the capital, the southern county of Prahova, the Transylvanian cities of Brasov and Satu Mare, and the western counties of Crasa-Severin and Timis.

They marched though the capital, stopping traffic and ended their protest outside the government buildings where they left a list of their demands with Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu Popescu.

The National Education Federation, which organized Wednesday's rally, is demanding a minimum monthly salary equivalent to €250 per month and more money be allocated to education from the state budget.

Salaries for starting teachers are currently about €75 per month, less than half the average wage in Romania, the AP reports.