Weekly Report - 24 October 2006

CHILE: Teachers agree deal. Members of the teachers' federation Colegio de Profesores approved on 20 October a deal proposed by the education ministry offering them better labour conditions and salaries. Jorge Pavez, the president of the federation, who had accused the government of prevaricating and threatened strike action, said he was satisfied the proposal was "a step forward". He said the agreement, which will cost the government Ch$400bn (US$759m) per year, will be formalised with the education ministry in early November. One of the main bones of contention was over a monthly bonus for teachers with degrees.