Teachers Union Demands Fair Pay and Workload Reforms to Combat Burnout

The VBE Solingen, a teachers' union, has called for urgent changes to working conditions in schools. Leaders warn that current policies on part-time work and unequal pay are pushing educators toward burnout and early exits. They argue that these issues worsen the ongoing teacher shortage and demand concrete reforms.

Jens Merten, chair of the VBE Solingen, stressed that part-time work is not a lifestyle choice for teachers but a survival strategy. With three out of four educators being women, many cut their hours simply to cope with overwhelming workloads. The union highlights that even part-time roles often require nearly the same effort as full-time jobs due to unpaid tasks like lesson planning and grading.

Daniel Weber, deputy chair, reinforced these concerns. He warned that eroding the right to part-time work could accelerate burnout and force more teachers to leave the profession. The union is pushing for equal pay across all school types, flexible working-hour models, and real reductions in daily workloads.

The VBE Solingen also demanded action on the gender pay gap. They argue that fair working conditions are essential—not just for teachers' well-being but for ensuring equal educational opportunities for students.

The union's proposals aim to stabilise the teaching workforce and address systemic inequities. Without changes, they warn, the teacher shortage will deepen, and educational standards could suffer. Their calls include fair pay, manageable workloads, and reliable support for part-time staff.