European Trade Union Committee for Education

• View all news from Member Organisations

Today, trade unions in Slovenia are organising a big protest action in the streets of the capital – Ljubljana. At the heart of this protest, lies the deep disagreement with the government caused by the absence of social dialogue and the violation of democratic principles.  ETUCE stands firm in solidarity with ESTUS - the Education and Science Trade Union of Slovenia - and their affiliates in this protest.

The trade union movement in Slovenia is giving a strong signal of resistance against an absolute disrespect and the dismantling of social dialogue, fundamental rights along with core and democratic standards and principles. ETUCE stands unreservedly with ESTUS and all the protesting people in demanding:

• The immediate re-establishment of a social dialogue in which trade unions are an equal and respected partner;
• The consistent establishment of the rule of law;
• The consolidation of democracy; and
• The rejection of authoritarian tendencies in Slovenia.

This Friday the protesting teachers in Slovenia are expressing their strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing unacceptable situation in education, as both education and school policies have been elaborated without any consultations involving education social partners.

In Slovenia, teachers have no patience left. Teachers, education professionals, administrative and technical staff have been humiliated by not having been given the right to voice their suggestions. Their numerous calls to participate in the design of measures that interfere with the educational space have been persistently ignored or rejected since spring 2020.

Neglecting a respectful and equal cooperation with employee representatives who are practitioners at all education levels is by no means an essential political strategy to address the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Friday, ETUCE’s profound solidarity goes to ESTUS, and together with them, we demand the restoration of core principles and values of social dialogue and industrial relations and the respect for the legitimate demand of workers to be consulted on matters that concern them!

More information on the protest in this article by Total Slovenian News