Faculty workers at the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš staged a protest outside the Ministry of Education today, demanding clarification on an unpaid leave policy. The demonstration, which began at 10:00 AM, saw around 50 participants holding signs and chanting slogans. The workers claim the policy, introduced in July, creates financial instability and undermines their professional responsibilities.
The policy allows up to 80 days of unpaid leave without pay, effective from January 2026. According to internal documents obtained by local media, the measure was implemented without prior consultation with faculty members. The workers argue that the policy violates labor rights and fails to account for the financial burden on families.
This is the second time this year that faculty members have protested over labor conditions. In March, similar demonstrations took place in Belgrade and Novi Sad, highlighting growing concerns about employment stability in higher education. The Ministry of Education has not yet issued a formal response to the current protest, but officials have previously stated that the policy aims to improve work-life balance.
