On Tuesday morning, educators, rescuers and policemen gathered in front of Stenbock House to draw attention to the need for fair pay for public sector workers.

The demonstration, which was prompted by the government's upcoming budget negotiations, supported the positions of the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Education and Science, who said that the state budget should give priority to the salaries of people working in both education and home affairs.

"For the current academic year, we can say that today a teacher with a master's degree already earns about 15 percent less than the national average. This unfortunately sends a very clear signal that the work of teachers is not valued," said Reemo Voltri, chairman of the Estonian Teachers' Union. According to the latest data published by Statistics Estonia, the average gross salary has risen by six percent over the past year to €2,126. The minimum teacher salary of €1,820 has remained unchanged since the end of the strike in 2024.

"Regardless of the poor situation, we will continue to stand up for the promise to raise teachers' salaries to 120 percent of the average national salary by 2027 at the latest," Voltri said, adding that the salaries of those who stand for the internal security of our country are no less important. "Teachers create a community of values, which can only develop in a secure environment. We are also supporting police officers and rescuers."

Source: Õhtuleht.ee
Photo: Robin Roots