Guatemala teacher union leader criticizes salary increase

Joviel Acevedo, leader of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Educación de Guatemala (STEG), has criticized a recent 3% salary increase for public school teachers, labeling the adjustment as “offensivo”.

Despite the criticism, Acevedo has received the pay increase. Records indicate he continues to receive a salary adjustment even though he is not currently teaching due to a long-standing leave of absence for union activities.

This 3% raise follows a 5% increase implemented in June 2025, bringing the cumulative total of recent adjustments to 8% under the administration of Minister Anabella Giracca. While the STEG claims the Ministry of Education lacks the vision to dignify the economic situation of educators, the current administration has implemented these raises following previous years where no such increases were approved.