European Education Unions Stand with Romanian Teachers Against Austerity Measures

Published:

Romania’s education system is facing an unprecedented crisis. Following a severe fiscal austerity package introduced by the government, teachers and students are bearing the brunt of measures that threaten the quality and equity of education.

The new law, adopted without consultation, increases teachers’ workload by two hours per week, slashes hourly pay by more than 50%, and forces the merger of thousands of teaching positions. Rural communities are hit hardest, with up to 1,000 schools expected to close and class sizes swelling to 34 students. Scholarships have been drastically reduced, undermining opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Despite these sacrifices, the savings amount to a mere 0.21% of GDP—while the social cost is immeasurable. Teachers now earn less per hour than many unskilled professions, a stark signal of how little education is valued.

Romanian education unions (FSLI, FSE  Alma Mater) have launched a wave of protests since July 30, culminating in a national rally on September 8, the first day of the school year. Their message is clear: education is not a cost to cut but an investment in the future.

ETUCE Director Jelmer Evers: "Just as the EU is embarking on an ambitious programme in the Union of Skills and the EU Teachers Agenda, which articulated the urgency to strengthen Europe's public education systems and the teaching profession, Romania is heading in exactly the opposite direction. Romania needs to invest in the future, and international organisations and the EU need to support Romania in this endeavor for the sake of our collective future."

ETUCE and European education unions express full solidarity with Romanian educators and their unions. We stand united in demanding:

  • Adequate funding for education, good working conditions and fair salaries for teachers.
  • An end to chaotic, unilateral reforms that jeopardize quality education.
  • Respect for social dialogue and labor rights.
  • That the EU revisits its current fiscal policies to allow Romania to invest in public education and make the goals of the European Education Area a reality.

And we urge the Romanian government to follow international standards and best practices as laid out in:

Education is a cornerstone of democracy and social justice. We call on the Romanian government to reverse these harmful measures and engage in genuine dialogue to protect the right of every child to quality public education.