The chairman of EHL, Reemo Voltri, said that teachers want a salary that would be 120% of the average Estonian salary. However, they would also be satisfied with a 10% increase next year.
Voltri mentioned that before the elections, it was promised that teachers' salaries would rise to the national average. However, this has fallen. He said that an 8-10% salary increase next year would be a good start.
Voltri also said that the salary increase is not written into the state budget strategy for this year. It is hoped that an agreement will be reached for next year.
Teachers are now waiting for certainty. If it comes, they will decide whether to agree to the proposed increase. If not, they are ready to take steps, such as going on strike.
Voltri hoped that it would not come to a strike. Teachers are people who want to do their job – to teach young people.
Education Minister Kristina Kallas said that the budget situation is better than before. However, defense expenditures take 600 million euros from the budget. This sets limits. Kallas wants teachers' salaries to rise because purchasing power has declined. She is optimistic that an agreement will be reached.
If the salary increase does not come, Kallas will not step back. She said that the negotiations have been long and difficult. However, she remains optimistic.
Kallas also supports the removal of the tax hump. This would help people who earn below or around the average salary.