The teachers' unions in Slovakia are maintaining their strike readiness after the government-approved proposal for pay increases for educators and professional staff. They are reviewing the document and calling an extraordinary meeting of the Education and Science Workers' Union Council. Union leader Pavel Ondek stated that they expect some of their demands, particularly regarding increases in base salaries, may not be met.
"Currently, the strike preparedness remains in place," Ondek said. The extraordinary meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, and the union will then decide on their stance. Ondek also noted that municipalities and towns lack the funds to raise wages for education staff within their original responsibilities.
Additionally, union members need to fully understand the contents of the memorandum on cooperation and social reconciliation, which the Ministry of Education is expected to sign with them. The Ministry of Education has proposed a seven percent salary increase for educators and professional staff starting September 1, 2025, with an additional five percent increase from January 1, 2026, as well as a new non-base salary compensation system to raise wages by an average of two percent. The government approved this proposal on Wednesday, conditional on submitting a financial plan and signing the cooperation and social reconciliation memorandum.
Source: TASR
