Thousands of teachers and education staff took to the streets in Pristina on Wednesday, demanding higher pay and the implementation of a long-delayed collective contract.
Organized by the United Education Union, protesters warned of a strike if their demands are not met. The union is calling for increased salaries and financial benefits, including meal allowances, travel expenses, and additional retirement payments.
“For months, we’ve sought talks over the collective contract,” said Rrahman Jashari, the union president. “The Minister of Education refuses to engage. By rejecting this contract, they are rejecting the rights of education staff.”
The dispute has been ongoing for years, with three collective contracts signed but never fully implemented. The most recent agreement, signed in 2021, was invalidated by the Ministry of Education in November 2022 due to legal issues. The ministry promised new negotiations, but no progress has been made.
“We’re still asking for dialogue,” Jashari added.
In response, the Ministry of Education said in a statement that any changes to the contract must follow proper legal procedures. It warned that unilateral actions could harm the education process and divide teachers.
Kosovo’s government announced in October that public sector workers, including teachers, police, and firefighters, will receive a pay rise of 18-20% starting in January 2025. However, the education sector’s ongoing contract dispute remains unresolved.
