“The housing issue is becoming increasingly difficult as time goes on,” stated the ELME Corfu Board of Directors in a recent intervention on August 23. “The Ministry, Government, and local authorities remain indifferent to this major problem faced by all teachers, especially our newly appointed and substitute colleagues. This indifference results in many teachers refusing their appointments because they simply cannot afford the exorbitant costs of housing. Only through collective struggle can we claim solutions to these problems, which stem from the anti-people policies of successive governments.”

Nikos Gouliomis, Secretary of ELME Corfu, echoed these concerns, emphasising that the situation is particularly acute on the islands. “Every year, thousands of newly appointed teachers are sent to fill the gaps in the education system, but these gaps are permanent. These are not temporary positions, and they should be made permanent. In Corfu, as in other islands, the tourist season with its influx of visitors creates a situation where teachers cannot find affordable housing. Even when a place is available, it is often very expensive—taking up half or even two-thirds of a teacher’s salary—and poorly maintained. The refusal to provide decent living conditions is a failure of both the municipalities and the state. There should be provisions for subsidised housing, and municipalities, together with regional authorities, should offer housing solutions, such as renting out accommodations.”

Despite raising these concerns with local authorities, Gouliomis noted that their pleas have largely fallen on deaf ears. “They seem to understand the problem, but there is no willingness to take effective action. They leave this social issue to the free market, which only creates dead ends and undignified living conditions,” he said.

This issue is not isolated to Corfu. Across the island nation, similar problems persist. Zacharias Rigakis, President of ELME Heraklion, recently spoke on Radio Crete, highlighting the severity of the situation in Heraklion. “There are no houses available, and the cost of hotel accommodation at €70 per day is unaffordable for teachers, leading some to sleep in their cars or on the beach. While it is positive that thousands of new teachers have been recruited, this serious problem must be addressed. New teachers arriving in Heraklion cannot find housing, and when they do, they are asked to pay €400 for a tiny, substandard room. When a teacher is earning only €750-€800 per month, they cannot afford these expenses. Recruitment may be happening, but the possibility of teachers leaving due to financial strain is very real.”

For more detailed coverage, read the relevant report by ThePressProject.

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