Income protection for out-of-work teachers

The situation is regarded as critical. An extraordinary congress is being convened for the first time in the history of the Swedish Teachers’ Union (Lärarförbundet). To save time, the congress, which will deliberate and vote on the scheme, will take place as a video-conference.

The insurance scheme will guarantee teachers 80 percent of their salaries for 200 benefit days with no income ceiling. Coverage under the normal unemployment insurance system is also fixed at 80 percent but with a ceiling of 18,700 kr.

“Even teachers on very low incomes earn more than this,” says Swedish Teachers’ Union chair Eva-Lis Sirén.

Some 1,500 teachers around the country have been given notice so far. The new scheme is expected to take effect from 1 July.

Both teachers’ unions are negotiating jointly and members of the National Union of Teachers (Lärarnas Riksförbund) will also be offered insurance coverage on the same terms.