European Trade Union Committee for Education

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The warning strike took place on 4 September 2023.  The requests of the Trade Union of Education of Montenegro (TUEM) were supported by over 80 percent of employees in education. They were for the benefit of their education system. The response to the warning strike with clear demands concerning the entire education system was greater than expected. This resulted in the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education giving positive indications towards solving the accumulated problems in education, and in the coming period, they expect to fulfill all their demands.

The main requests were directed towards the Government of Montenegro: dignified status of education workers to be restored, ensured the protection of employees from violence and harassment at the workplace, constitutional right to strike, freed employment in education from the influence of politics, solved the problems of the teachers’ deficit.

The European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) has recently voiced its unwavering support for  TUEM. This gesture of solidarity comes in response to concerns regarding amendments to Montenegro's Law on Strike, which could have far-reaching consequences on the rights of employees within the education sector.

ETUCE acknowledges the efforts of TUEM  in emphasizing the critical role of quality public education in fostering a just and equitable society. As Montenegro aspires to join the European Union, it becomes imperative to align with the principles of social partnership highlighted in the EU's recent communications.

Montenegro's journey towards becoming an EU candidate country underscores the importance of adhering to the principles of social dialogue. ETUCE supports TUEM in its quest to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights' principle of involving workers, in line with ILO's conventions on tripartite consultation.

ETUCE's message is clear: for education systems to thrive, they must provide stable employment, competitive compensation, and manageable workloads for educators. Achieving this necessitates meaningful social dialogue between the government and trade unions. As TUEM geared up for their warning strike, ETUCE stands resolutely by their side, reiterating its steadfast support.