TALO (the central organization of employees' unions) is currently engaged in salary negotiations with the Ministry of Culture in Estonia, aiming to increase the minimum wage for higher-educated cultural workers from the current 1720 euros to 2065 euros. These discussions are a continuation of talks that began last year, focusing on the pay scale for cultural professionals. TALO member Maris Rosenthal indicated that the previous year's decisions had set the framework for this year's negotiations, which also include discussions on salary funds for cultural workers, coaches, and group leaders.

Rosenthal emphasized that TALO's goal is to achieve a 20% salary increase, which they believe is necessary to properly support cultural workers. She explained that the focus is not only on raising the minimum salary for cultural workers but also on increasing the overall salary fund, enabling leaders to motivate their team members effectively. The negotiations aim to balance the compensation of cultural professionals with the need for fair and competitive wages in the sector, where skilled professionals often seek better-paying opportunities.

The outcomes of these negotiations could significantly impact the cultural sector in Estonia, potentially improving job satisfaction and retention among cultural workers. As such, this initiative reflects broader efforts to value cultural services and ensure more sustainable careers for professionals within the arts and culture landscape, aligning with similar conversations in various fields globally about fair wages and employee welfare.