International in brief

TIRANA, Albania – Albanian university professors went on a three-day strike Wednesday seeking a pay rise and better work conditions.

Some 200 professors from the faculties of construction, electronics, mechanics and geology at the Polytechnic University of Tirana gathered at Mother Teresa Square to call for a 100 percent salary increase. The faculties jointly have around 5,000 students.

All other universities in Tirana and other towns supported the strike, stopping lessons for one hour, Albanian media reported.

“Unless the government responds officially in a written form, we shall continue our protest,” said professor Emil Lamani, a spokesman for the group, adding they did not trust government statements that it was considering a pay rise for professors this month.

“Reforms have been in the government programs but never applied or supported financially. We shall go to the end this time,” Lamani said without making clear what would be the next step.

Up to 30 percent of professors, most with postgraduate scientific degrees, have left post-communist Albania for the United States, Canada or Western Europe during the post-communist period.

“The government should consider that without the intelligence there would be no development in this country,” said professor Luljeta Bozo.

Monthly salaries at the university range from 30,000 leks (US$319; euro246) to 60,900 leks (US$648; euro500).

The average monthly salary in Albania is 21,000 leks (US$223; euro172).

“We want dignity and not think any moment of emigration or staying at the streets to sell bananas,” said professor Marenglen Gjonaj.

The Science and Education Ministry said it agreed with the professors’ financial requests, but that pay increases were up to the Finance Ministry.

“Their demands need to find place in the government budget and that is up to the Ministry of Finance,” said spokesman Vladimir Lame, adding that a meeting would be held this week.