European Court of Human Rights rules Hungary unlawfully restricted teachers' strike rights

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the Hungarian government unlawfully restricted the right to strike for teachers. The court determined that the 2022 restrictions, which were implemented under the pretext of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continuous childcare and lesson attendance, were not necessary in a democratic society and constituted a disproportionate limitation on teachers and pedagogical unions.

The legal challenge was initiated by the Teachers' Union (PSZ) and the Democratic Union of Teachers (PDSZ), supported by legal organizations and individual teachers. The restrictions had previously led to instances of civil disobedience and subsequent dismissals of protesting educators.

Following the ruling, Education and Children's Minister Judit Lannert stated that the decision validates recent efforts to reform the educational system. These reforms include restoring school autonomy, expanding the powers of principals, reinstating the decision-making rights of teaching staff, and strengthening employee representation and the conditions for exercising the right to strike.