- Serbian teachers face contract non-renewals, suspected as political retaliation for protest participation.
- Union leaders highlight a significant increase in temporary contract terminations, labeling it an epidemic.
- Legal loopholes in Serbia’s educational employment laws facilitate precarious job security for educators.
In a development that underscores the intersection of politics and education in Serbia, a growing number of teachers are experiencing non-renewal of their contracts, a move widely perceived as political retaliation for their involvement in recent protests and school blockades. This trend has sparked concern among educational unions and professionals, who view it as a covert form of retribution by the government.
DuĊĦan Kokot, the president of the Independent Union of Education Workers of Serbia, has been vocal about the issue, citing the example of the Fifth Belgrade Gymnasium, where numerous teachers have been affected. Kokot describes the situation as an “epidemic” of repression against educators who have supported or participated in labor strikes and protests in the past spring.
The non-renewal of contracts is not an isolated incident but a widespread phenomenon affecting various schools across Serbia. Kokot points out the inconsistency in the employment practices, questioning why teachers who had their contracts renewed in previous years are suddenly deemed unsuitable. He suggests that the primary motivation behind these actions is political, rather than based on performance or necessity.
This situation is exacerbated by the peculiarities of Serbia’s educational employment laws. The Law on the Foundations of the Education System (ZOSOV) stipulates that temporary employment cannot automatically transition into permanent employment, contradicting the Labor Law, which allows for automatic conversion after two years and five days. This legal loophole has resulted in teachers working on temporary contracts for over a decade, effectively keeping them on a “short leash” and under constant scrutiny.
Kokot emphasizes that this precarious employment situation is not to be confused with temporary replacements, which are a separate issue. The current practice allows the state to maintain control over teachers by renewing contracts only until August 31 each year, thereby ensuring that educators remain compliant and under control.
The union leader also highlights the difficulty in proving that the non-renewals are politically motivated, as schools can cite technical reasons such as reduced student numbers or decreased class hours. However, Kokot argues that these justifications do not hold in cases where teachers have consistently been rehired in previous years.
This development comes at a time of heightened political tension in Serbia, where the government has been criticized for its handling of protests and its approach to dissent. The educational sector, often seen as a bastion of intellectual resistance, appears to be the latest battleground in this ongoing struggle.
The broader implications of this situation are significant. It raises questions about the independence of educational institutions and the extent to which political considerations influence employment decisions. Moreover, it highlights the vulnerability of teachers in a system that prioritizes political loyalty over educational merit.
As Serbia navigates these turbulent waters, the actions taken against educators may serve as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to democratic principles and the protection of workers’ rights. The outcome of this situation will likely have far-reaching consequences for the educational landscape and the broader socio-political climate in Serbia.