EU education sectoral social partners sign autonomous agreement on telework and the right to disconnect

The European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) and the European Federation of Education Employers (EFEE) have reached an autonomous agreement on telework and the right to disconnect in the education sector, which employs around 17 million workers in the EU. 

The agreement was signed during the plenary meeting of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Education on 2 December in the presence of Maria Luisa Llano Cardenal, Head of Unit for Social Dialogue at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL).

She welcomed the important achievement reached after seven rounds of negotiations with Commission’s support, which represents a significant step forward in addressing the impact of digitalisation on working conditions in the education sector.

The agreement links to Commission’s broader efforts to improve job quality across the EU, including through the upcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap and the envisaged Quality Jobs Act. 

A joint response to digital transformation in education

The rise in digital tools has reshaped daily work in education, creating both opportunities and challenges. The new agreement reflects the shared commitment of employers and workers to promote a safe, fair and sustainable digital working environment at a time when digital tools are increasingly being used to teach, learn and to facilitate communication. 

Key elements of the agreement

The autonomous agreement provides a structured framework for addressing key principles surrounding telework and the right to disconnect. It notably recognises the voluntary character of telework, the basic principle of the right to disconnect and of equal treatment. It further touches upon the access to training and career development opportunities, specifies responsibilities regarding the equipment and costs and highlights health and safety considerations.  The collective rights and representation and the role of social dialogue and social partners are clearly present. 

Support from the European Commission

The European Commission (DG EMPL) facilitated the negotiation process throughout by providing technical and logistical support and accompanied the process within the framework of EU sectoral social dialogue. 

Autonomous implementation

The social partners will ensure the implementation of this autonomous agreement in accordance with their specific procedures and practices and the industrial relations systems of the Member States. Progress will be reported and monitored in the education sectoral social dialogue committee.

View agreement

Autonomous framework agreement on telework and the right to disconnect in the education sector