Telework and the Right to Disconnect for Europe’s Education Sector
On 2 December 2025, the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) and the European Federation of Education Employers (EFEE) signed the first-ever European autonomous framework agreement in the education sector. This agreement facilitates the development of telework policies and enables all workers in the sector to fully exercise their right to disconnect.
The agreement was born out of a shared commitment to modernise working conditions without compromising educators’ well-being. Telework is now framed as a voluntary choice, never an obligation, it must be agreed upon and can be refused without workers suffering any discrimination.
Workers who opt for teleworking enjoy the same rights, protections, and career opportunities as colleagues working on-site. Employers are responsible for providing equipment and technical support, respecting privacy and data protection, and addressing health and safety risks such as isolation and mental strain. Training and collective rights remain guaranteed for all.
Equally impactful can be the right to disconnect. By recognising the existence of this right, teachers and education staff are no longer expected to monitor emails or work-related messages outside their working hours. This principle is backed by awareness campaigns, respectful internal and external communication practices, and technological solutions that help educators maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Reflecting on this achievement, Jelmer Evers, ETUCE Director, said: “Education professionals deserve the flexibility of telework without the pressure of being permanently connected. This agreement is about trust, fairness, and creating conditions where teachers can thrive – both online and offline. Reaching agreements through social dialogue is more important than ever in this age of polarisation, it reflects what Europe is and should be. The support of the European Commission is also essential in bringing workers and employers form accross Europe together”
With this first-of-its-kind agreement, ETUCE and EFEE have set a new benchmark for European social dialogue in education. National partners will now have the possibility to adapt and implement these measures, ensuring that Europe’s educators can embrace digital tools while safeguarding their rights and well-being.
