The agreement of wages of cultural professionals was signed

Ministry of Culture ,
19 January 2015, Estonia

According to the letter of intent signed by Chairman of the Board of the Estonian Employees' Unions' Confederation (TALO) Ago Tuuling and Minister of Culture Urve Tiidus, the minimum monthly gross wages of a full-time cultural worker, receiving wages from the state budget, is at least 731 euros per month.

Ago Tuuling considered the negotiations pleasantly productive by resulting in a compromise between the expectations and the real opportunities of the Estonian economy. “The goal is to continue with the increase in gross wages. It is important to ensure that the wage requirements would be considered by ministries and fields while preparing state budget by targeting the areas with the greatest shortcomings,” Tuuling said.

“In democratic societies, decision-making is based on debate, so our debates and discussions with TALO also took place in a pleasant and business-like atmosphere. Increase in the wages fund of the cultural professionals is once again one step towards the achievement of the objectives set out in the general principles of the Estonian cultural policy,” Minister of Culture Urve Tiidus noted.

It is confirmed in the general principles of the Estonian cultural policy until 2020 that the wages of the cultural workers must be competitive in the Estonian labour market, ensuring the next generation of professionals. Minimum remuneration of a full-time worker holding a degree should reach the Estonian average salary level.

The letter of intent signed today concerns all full-time cultural employees with a degree, who are working in public authorities, state-owned private foundations and public law agencies in a position of their specialty requiring an academic degree.

The agreed principles are recommended for all institutions active in the field of culture, regardless of their administrative subordination or ownership. The main focus has been turned to organisations functioning in the administration of local authorities and in the hobby education field.

http://www.kul.ee/en/news/agreement-wages-cultural-professionals-was-signed