On 2 December 2025, the European Federation of Education Employers (EFEE) and the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) signed a new Autonomous Framework Agreement on Telework and the Right to Disconnect in the Education Sector. This agreement marks a major achievement for European sectoral social dialogue and provides a comprehensive framework to support education employers and workers as digitalisation reshapes working practices across the sector.
A Shared Framework for a Changing Education Landscape
As remote work, digital tools, and flexible working arrangements become more common in education, EFEE and ETUCE recognised the need for clear, balanced, and forward-looking guidance. The agreement builds on EU legislation and previous European social partner frameworks, translating them into a tailored approach for the education sector. It applies to all workers with an employment relationship in pre-primary, primary, secondary, vocational, higher and other forms of education.
Key Features of the Agreement
Voluntary Telework
Telework must always be voluntary for both the employer and the worker. It cannot be imposed to replace sick leave or other statutory leave, and workers cannot face negative consequences for accepting or refusing telework. Agreements on telework must be transparent, reversible, and based on objective criteria.
Equal Treatment for Teleworkers
Teleworkers must benefit from the same rights and conditions as comparable workers on site. This includes equal access to training, career development, performance appraisal, and participation in workers’ representative bodies.
Data Protection and Respect for Privacy
The agreement reinforces strong safeguards around the use of monitoring tools and the handling of personal data. Employers must consult workers’ representatives before introducing new monitoring practices and must respect the privacy of the worker’s home and personal life.
Equipment, Costs and Safety Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers have the necessary ICT equipment, security measures, and technical support to work remotely. Teleworkers remain covered by occupational health and safety requirements, and the agreement highlights specific risks linked to telework, including ergonomics, isolation, and blurred work–life boundaries.
A Sector-Wide Right to Disconnect
The agreement formally establishes the right to disconnect for all education workers. This right protects staff from being required or expected to monitor work-related communications outside their working time. The agreement also encourages institutions to develop internal policies, communication practices, and technological solutions to support healthy boundaries and prevent an “always-on” culture.
Ongoing Social Dialogue and Implementation
EFEE and ETUCE commit to continued cooperation to support implementation of the agreement at national and institutional levels. Social partners will report on progress five years after signature and may jointly review the agreement thereafter.
A Milestone for Education Employers and Staff Across Europe
The Autonomous Framework Agreement sets out a coherent and adaptable approach to telework and the right to disconnect in education. It acknowledges the unique characteristics of educational work, the importance of in-person teaching, and the diversity of roles within the sector. It also provides clear protection for workers while giving employers practical guidance to manage modern, digitally enhanced working environments.
EFEE is proud to have co-signed this important agreement and remains committed to supporting education employers across Europe as they implement its principles.
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