Unions demand €2,300 minimum wage for teachers, rescuers and cultural workers
Trade unions representing cultural, educational, and rescue workers are preparing for wage negotiations next year. The talks aim to secure higher pay, with demands including minimum wages of at least €2,300—a figure close to the national average salary.
The unions argue that current wages fail to reflect the responsibilities and qualifications of these professions, despite past government promises to address the issue. The central Organisation of Trade Unions of Employees has proposed raising the minimum wage for cultural workers with higher education by nearly €600. If accepted, their new minimum would reach €2,304. Meanwhile, the teachers’ union, led by Remo Voltri, is pushing for a minimum wage of €2,300—matching the projected national average. Voltri criticised the government for not fulfilling its pledge to set teachers’ salaries at 120% of the average wage.
Negotiations for education workers are set for May 12. Maris Rosenthal, head of the cultural workers’ union, clarified that the goal extends beyond minimum wages. The union wants to increase the entire wage fund to ensure broader pay improvements across the sector.
Rescue workers are also demanding changes. Their union, represented by Kalle Koop, seeks a minimum wage of 1.2 times the national average—around €2,300—citing expanded job duties. Additional demands include better protective equipment, more industry investment, and recognition of certain cancers as occupational diseases with compensation rights. The unions’ proposals will shape upcoming wage talks, with all three sectors targeting minimum wages of at least €2,300. If successful, the changes would bring salaries closer to the national average and address long-standing concerns over pay fairness.
The outcome will depend on negotiations, with education workers’ discussions beginning in mid-May.
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