Who is representing you?

The launching of the ESSDE was an historical event as it brought the largest public sector in Europe into the European Social Dialogue system, making the social partners co-legislators for their professional area at European level.

ESSDE Steering Group

Susan Flocken, ETUCE European Director

“ Since its implementation in 2010, the European Sectoral Social Dialogue in Education is giving ETUCE member organisations in Europe a platform to discuss the developments in education that influence the work of teachers, school leaders and academics in Europe.

Social partners in education, have a key role in shaping the vision of education in Europe. The ESSDE can facilitate and support effective and meaningful social dialogue and collective bargaining at national level. It promotes co-operation for decent working conditions and a safe learning environment with a long-term perspective for quality education.”

Christine Blower, NUT, United Kingdom

“Social Dialogue is a key task in the work of EI’s European Region (ETUCE). I believe that the European Sectoral Social Dialogue in Education (ESSDE) is one of the ways in which ETUCE can support its member organisations effectively. The ESSDE offers teachers’ unions from all over the EU the opportunity to exchange views with education employers’ at European level. ETUCE delegates can engage with them on topics of joint interest such as the shaping of education policies, the future of the teaching profession as well as the development and assurance of quality education for all in Europe. Of course, member organisations will first of all keep their own arrangements in place in their countries. Social Dialogue at European level does not replace or restrict these. I see the ESSDE as an additional opportunity to raise our voice for the interests of ETUCE’s members.”

Andreas Keller, GEW, Germany

“Quality education on the one hand and decent working conditions of teachers on the other are the two sides of one coin. Therefore, both education unions and education employers share the same concern: to create and improve excellent teaching and working conditions as well as a supportive environment for teachers and other staff members working in education institutions. Talking to each other at eye level within the framework of social dialogue, is the best way for trade unions and employers to find joint, feasible and acceptable solutions aiming to develop education institutions and their staff members. Effective social dialogue should consider and support the interests of students, parents, and the society as a whole with its needs for well qualified and educated people. In order to support and to strengthen social dialogues at national level we need a strong and vital social dialogue at European level. Therefore, I am glad to have the opportunity to participate actively in the European Education Sectoral Social Dialogue.”