ETUCE Adopts Statement on Ukraine

Last week, the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) held its regular meeting online, with over 40 representatives from different European countries participating. 

Participants discussed key challenges in the field of education, including the balanced use of AI in education, the protection of digital sovereignty, the renewal of the vocational education strategy, the development of school leadership, and the future policy of the Erasmus+ program for 2028-2034.

A separate topic for discussion was the situation in the field of education in Ukraine, namely the latest proposals by the Verkhovna Rada Committee, which restrict the rights of educators. After the discussion, the ETUCE adopted a statement on Ukraine, confirming its unwavering support for the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression. 

The Committee condemned the amendments to the draft State Budget for 2026 proposed by the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, which threaten the rights of teaching staff and contradict international labor standards.

Kateryna Maliuta-Osaulova, head of the international department and delegate to the ETUCE, participated in the committee's work on behalf of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine. She presented the current situation in Ukraine and highlighted issues related to teachers' pay, noting in particular that teachers' salaries in Ukraine are the lowest among all sectors of the economy. Inflation is rising and effectively destroying what remains of their salaries. The law on education, which requires that the minimum wage for educators be equal to three minimum wages, is currently being violated.

“And compliance with the law is our demand. We have already held meetings with the relevant committee and submitted proposals on the budget. The Kyiv City Trade Union Organisation initiated a petition, which gathered more than 15,000 signatures in four days. Education International and the ETUCE supported our position by sending a letter to our Parliament. Thanks to all these efforts, the government has provided for a significant increase in funding to raise teachers' salaries. But work to defend the rights of educators in next year's budget is still ongoing,” said Kateryna Maliuta- Osaulova. 

The ETUCE emphasized that the rights of educators cannot be restricted even during wartime and called for the withdrawal of amendments that worsen teachers' working conditions. The statement also expresses support for a just peace, the return of deported Ukrainian children, and Ukraine's compliance with UN recommendations on the protection of the teaching profession.

International Department