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Description
The project supported teacher unions to become more pro-active in their regional and local social dialogue structures when dealing with and setting up strategies on Health & Safety in schools. Secondly, to prepare the debate on this topic in the National Social Dialogue Commission and feed the results into the sectoral debate with the aim to find an agreement at national level.
The project aimed to reduce work-related stress (WRS) among teachers through training and social dialogue at local, regional, and national levels. This was important as teachers are among the professions reporting the highest levels of work-related stress due to long working hours, difficult working conditions, pressure, deadlines, and job insecurity, which can be exacerbated during economic and social crises.
The project addressed these issues by building the capacity of social partners and including psycho-social hazards in collective agreements within the education sector. It aligned with European-level priorities and recommendations from the European social partners and the European Agency on Health and Safety. The project buildt on the experience gained from previous projects financed by Norway Grants, with the support of the Norwegian partner, Skolenes Landsforbund (SL).
Key activities of the project included training school staff and social partners on the prevention of WRS, implementing a training curriculum at the national level, and running a pilot program to manage stress in schools. The training curriculum was implemented using a network of training centres, raising awareness, increasing knowledge, and facilitating the exchange of experiences and good practices on teachers'' safety and health issues.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the high levels of work-related stress (WRS) among teachers in Romania, who face long working hours, difficult working conditions, pressure, deadlines, and job insecurity. These factors contribute to significant stress, making it crucial to focus on reducing WRS through capacity building and social dialogue.
To tackle these challenges, the project implemented several key activities. School staff and social partners were trained on the prevention of WRS and psycho-social hazards at the workplace, with a training curriculum developed and implemented at the national level. A pilot program titled "Manage Stress in Our School" was conducted in 10 schools, involving around 400 teachers and staff. This program included stress management measures and the creation of recovery spaces for teachers. An action plan for a healthier working life and preventing work-related stress was developed, debated in 20 schools, and disseminated to 400 local trade unions and government stakeholders as input for a law proposal. The Action Plan was presented at European level at the Special Conference of the European sectoral federation in education (Liege, July 2022) and is considered an example of good practice in Europe. Various workshops and conferences were held to discuss and promote the action plan and the project''s findings, facilitating the exchange of best practices and experiences among stakeholders.
The project achieved significant results, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders. It enhanced social dialogue at the sectoral level, leading to better cooperation between teachers, unions, and government bodies. Teachers and school staff experienced improved working conditions, contributing to a better school environment for pupils. The training programs and pilot initiatives raised awareness and increased knowledge about WRS among teachers and school staff. The action plan developed through the project, aimed to influence national policies on work-related stress and health and safety in schools. The project exceeded expectations in terms of participation, involving more teachers, school staff, and stakeholders than initially anticipated, ensuring that its impact extended beyond the immediate participants to the wider education sector in Romania.
Overall, the project successfully addressed the critical issue of work-related stress among teachers, implemented effective training and stress management programs, and achieved significant outcomes that benefited teachers, school staff, and the broader education community.
Summary of bilateral results
The project promoter underlined the importance of the exchange of information related with the Norwegian model of social dialogue in education. Some of the learnings can be transferred regarding the bargaining of labor working contract and on preparation of union leaders, and the project promoter reported that the bargaining strategies will be integrated in their organizations.