Estonian Teachers Union Demands €2,300 Minimum Salary in Upcoming Negotiations

The Estonian Education Personnel Union (EHL) is preparing for upcoming salary negotiations by demanding that the government fulfill its pre-election promise to raise teachers' minimum salary to 120 percent of the national average. EHL Chairman Reemo Voltri announced that formal talks involving school operators, local governments, and the ministry will commence on June 3. The union insists that the minimum salary for the next year should be set at €2,300, based on forecasted national averages, as a step toward reaching the agreed 2027 target. Voltri emphasized the importance of political credibility, reminding officials of their commitment made before the Riigikogu elections and during the resolution of the January 2024 teachers' strike. During that previous dispute, which lasted seven working days, the union accepted a compromise raising the minimum salary to €1,820. However, the EHL maintains that the path to the 2027 goal requires immediate adherence to promised increases, warning against political deception. The negotiations aim to ensure competitive wages that retain professionals in the education sector.