Education union: Teachers paid less than promised

TALLINN - Teachers were promised a minimum salary increase to 1,970 euros starting January 1 of this year, and the state has provided the necessary funds. However, the Estonian Education Workers' Union states that nearly ten municipalities across the country are exploiting a legal loophole to apply the higher salary rate only from January 17.

This year, the minimum salary for teachers increased from 1,820 euros to 1,970 euros. The state has allocated the necessary support for the salary increases to municipalities for the entire calendar year.

However, because the amendments to the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act concerning the teacher's minimum salary came into force on January 17, the corresponding minimum salary regulation also took effect on that date.

According to the Estonian Education Workers' Union, several municipalities are now taking advantage of the regulation's later effective date to cut costs. "Many teachers who worked under the impression that they would earn a salary of at least 1,970 euros for January now have to accept that their first salary of the year is 75 to 100 euros lower than expected," said Reemo Voltri, chairman of the Estonian Education Workers' Union.

"The school authorities can use this saved money to later pay for things like teachers' overtime," Voltri noted, adding that teachers in this situation obviously feel deceived by their municipality. "However, we are glad to note that most school authorities have acted fairly towards teachers and have raised salaries effective from January 1," he added.

Under the new law, the teacher's minimum salary applies to teachers who meet the qualification requirements, as well as to unqualified teachers who are participating in teacher training, hold a master's degree, or are enrolled in a master's program.

In addition to the minimum salary, the state allocates a 22 percent differentiation fund for each calculated teacher position. This allows for the implementation of a career model and enables paying teachers based on their level of responsibility and additional tasks.