Saxony’s teachers work unpaid overtime as unions demand urgent reforms
A new study has revealed that teachers in Saxony are working well beyond their contracted hours. On average, full-time staff put in 2.5 extra hours each week, while part-time employees work nearly four. The findings have sparked calls from unions and political parties to rethink current support measures for educators.
The study, conducted by the Studieninstitut Prognos, analysed working hours for the 2024/2025 school year. It showed that only a third of teachers' time is spent on actual teaching. Full-time staff work around eight hours a day but still fall 0.6 percent short of their official targets. Meanwhile, half of full-time teachers and 60 percent of part-time colleagues exceed their planned hours.
The study highlights persistent overtime issues among Saxony’s teaching staff. With unions demanding the withdrawal of current measures and political groups calling for reform, pressure is mounting on the Ministry of Culture. The voluntary time account proposal now faces scrutiny as educators seek more effective solutions.
