The Labor Disputes Commission in Lithuania ruled that inadequate funding is not a valid excuse for schools to avoid paying teachers the increased salaries mandated by updated preschool education programs.
This week, the Lithuanian Education Workers' Union (LŠDPS) reported that the Labor Disputes Commission acknowledged the increased complexity of work under the updated preschool education programs, necessitating appropriate compensation for teachers. The commission was approached regarding 'Žiogelis' kindergarten in Šilalė, which was accused of unlawfully withholding additional pay from teachers implementing the updated programs while justifying this withholding due to lack of funds.
The Labor Disputes Commission emphasized that the lack of financial resources cannot excuse the employer's failure to fulfill their obligation—teachers must receive their salaries with a 5% increase in the salary coefficient due to the higher operational complexity involved in the updated programs. This ruling reinforces the idea that employers must prioritize financial obligations to their employees, regardless of their budgetary constraints.
The commission has mandated the recalculation of teachers’ salaries retroactively from the commencement of implementing the updated educational programs, ensuring that the increase in pay and any back wages owed are disbursed. This decision is significant in reinforcing the rights of educators and setting a precedent for administrative accountability in the face of financial challenges.
