The Federation of Estonian Student Unions (EÜL), the Academic Trade Union and Estonian Chamber of Science hosted an initiative this spring in order to draw attention to the poor funding of higher education and science. The initiative included suggestions to:

(1) Assign the national funding of higher education and science as a ratio of Gross Domestic Product, respectively 1.5% and 1%
(2) Add a mandatory three-way pay negotiation between academic employees, employers and the Ministry of Education and Research

Within the first two days, the initiative amassed 1000 signatures, making it eligible for being forwarded directly to the Estonian Parliament.

Due to the success of the initiative EÜL, the Academic Trade Union, the Estonian Chamber of Science and the Estonian Trade Union Confederation are hosting a public meeting, which will take place on September 14th at 1PM in front of the Parliament building in Tallinn. The aim of the public meeting is to acknowledge the less than desirable situation the funding of higher education and science are currently in. During the event we will pass the initiative on ceremonially to Henn Põlluaas, the president of the Parliament.

We welcome all scientists, academic employees and professors, students and supporters from various fields to join us at this event and stand with us for high-quality, well-funded higher education and science. We have also arranged a bus to help attendees travel from and back to Tartu. Please sign up for that bus via Google Forms by no later than September 9th.

The public initiative you can find on the page: rahvaalgatus.ee lehel.

Reminders:
🔹 This is a peaceful event with emphasis on cooperation.
🔹 When attending, please keep your distance from others and wear a mask if possible.
🔹 In case of any viral infection symptoms we urge you to stay home.

The event is organised by:

Akadeemilised Ametiühingud, Eesti Üliõpilaskondade Liit, ametiühingud ja õpilasesindused ülikoolidest (Tartu Ülikool, Tallinna Tehnikaülikool, Tallinna Ülikool, Eesti Maaülikool, Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool) ja Eesti Teaduskoda, Eesti Ametiühingute Keskliit.