Education and Science, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Wages

Saeima Speaker Gundars Daudze (Greens/Farmers Union), outside the parliament building this morning, asked Latvian Health and Social Care Employees Union Chairman Valdis Keris to discuss the issue of raising medics' salaries "in a calm atmosphere with a cup of coffee."

Daudze did not deny that the demands are warranted, but the government at this time has limited possibilities to meet them. A compromise is needed through negotiations, to which Keris agreed, adding that the government must also give in.

Daudze also spoke with the Chairwoman of the Latvian Education and Science Workers Association Astrida Harbacevica and others teachers, Saeima speaker said he has invited them to the meeting because he hopes it will be possible to reach a compromise regarding the salaries' issue.

The teachers underlined that they are only demanding "fair remuneration for their work".

Also coming out to speak to the protesters are opposition New Era's Ingrida Circene and Ausma Kantane, the People's Party's Valdis Gilis and Aija Barca; also present are Health Minister Ivars Eglitis (People's Party) and Health Ministry State Secretary Armands Plorins.