Education Ministry Proposes 7-percent Salary Increase for Teachers

Bratislava, February 19 (TASR) - The Education Ministry has proposed a 7-percent salary increase for teachers and professional staff starting as of September 1, 2025, followed by an additional 5-percent increase as of January 1, 2026, along with a new non-tariff system that will raise salaries by an average of 2 percent. The government approved the plan to increase salaries at its meeting on Wednesday, along with the condition of submitting a proposal for financial coverage and of signing a memorandum of cooperation and social peace in the education sector with the Slovak Education and Science Employees Trade Union. In addition to an across-the-board salary increase for teachers, a new form of non-tariff compensation is set to be introduced. According to the ministry, this tool could take the form of a performance-based bonus, allowing headteachers to reward employees based on their quality and performance. At the same time, the ministry proposes a 7-percent salary increase for university lecturers and research and development staff as of September 1, 2025, followed by an additional 5-percent salary increase on January 1, 2026. According to the Education Ministry, these measures will require an additional €389 million in the ministry's budget for 2026, of which the ministry can cover €125 million through internal activities. The government has also instructed head of the Government Office Juraj Gedra and Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) to submit changes to the laws related to salary increases for discussion by the end of April. Drucker is also required to finalise a memorandum of cooperation and social peace with the Education Trade Union by April 30. Initially, the education union demanded a 10-percent salary increase for education staff as of September 2025, but it ultimately agreed to a 7-percent increase. Representatives of local governments have complained and criticised the measures because they lack the funds to pay higher salaries or bonuses to education employees. lin/df