Congress Elects Ivan Dudas as New Chairman of Education Trade Union

Bratislava, 28 August (TASR) - Ivan Dudas has become the new chairman of the Education Trade Union (OZS), head of the union's office Juraj Stodolovsky informed TASR on Friday. Dudas was elected by delegates at the union's tenth congress (27–28 August) on Friday. The former name of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers in Slovakia was also officially changed. "Ingrid Gamcikova was elected vice-chair of the Primary Education Association, Boris Matusek of the Secondary Education Association and Miroslav Haban of the Association of Higher Education and Directly Managed Organisations," added Stodolovsky. The delegates also expressed their thanks to the union's long-serving chairman Pavol Ondek for his active work, commitment and efforts on behalf of education sector employees. Ondek decided not to seek re-election. The congress, attended by 135 delegates representing more than 52,000 union members, also featured extensive discussions on the current situation in Slovak education. The discussions culminated in the adoption of a statement by the congress delegates. In the statement, the delegates set out ten areas that OZS will engage in between 2027-2031. These include, above all, seeking predictable and regular pay rises. Other priorities include making the teaching profession more attractive and improving working conditions, providing stronger protection for employees against violence and aggression, and ensuring that occupational health and safety standards are applied consistently. The priorities also include modernising the education system, supporting vocational, higher and lifelong education, and strengthening social dialogue. ko/df