Education ministry frustrated over protest announcement despite ongoing talks

The education ministry is reportedly frustrated by the announcement of a protest by employees working in school support programmes, just hours after a meeting at which they were informed that their request for a special allowance was being examined by the finance ministry. According to Reporter, education ministry sources expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to proceed with the protest, stressing that efforts were already underway to address the concerns of affected employees. The dispute centres on workers who were transferred to indefinite-term employment contracts last April and are no longer eligible for unemployment benefits during the summer months, when they are left without income. Trade unions have requested a special allowance to cover this period. Ministry sources said the request had already been forwarded to the finance ministry, which is responsible for examining the matter, and that a response was still pending. They also pointed to measures already taken to support the affected employees, including legislation abolishing the previous system of purchasing services and converting workers to indefinite-term employment status. The majority of indefinite-term employees work in school support programmes, while arrangements have also been made for additional recruitment during 2026. The education ministry maintained that the relevant procedures must be given time to progress, while reiterating its willingness to continue dialogue with the trade unions. In a joint statement on Thursday, SEK and PEO demanded written responses and practical solutions and warned of another strike – possibly indefinite – and protest outside the presidential palace on November 2 if their demands were not met.