Estonian teachers to go on national warning strike on 22 September

The Estonian Education Workers’ Union will hold a nationwide one-hour warning strike on September 22, demanding that the government deliver on promises to raise teachers’ wages. This was reported by the trade union, BelTA writes.

Employees of general education schools, vocational education institutions and preschool institutions will take part in the strike. In kindergartens, the action will be held from 8:00 to 9:00 local time, in general and professional educational institutions - from 9:00 to 10:00.

According to the union, the Estonian government had previously promised to raise teachers’ salaries to 120% of the national average by 2027. Such a commitment was also contained in an agreement concluded after the 2024 strike.

According to the union, the ratio of teacher salaries to average wages in the country has decreased by six percentage points in recent years. At the same time, during the negotiations on the minimum wage for teachers for 2027, the parties have not yet managed to reach an agreement. The next round of talks is scheduled for September 23.