The two major trade union federations in the pre-university system accuse the “pressures” that the school inspectorates would exert on the teachers to register in the commissions for the simulations of the national exams. Unionists are asking members to boycott the simulations.
The Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education and the Federation of Trade Unions in Education “Spiru Haret” ask their members to refuse to join the commissions for organizing and supporting the simulations of the national exams that will take place this month.
“Dear colleagues, it is time to show unity. The Ministry of Education and the inspectorates are ignoring our alarm signals and trying to force the organization of simulations, despite the ongoing referendum,” the representatives of the two federations addressed the members in the territory.
The inspectorates are putting pressure on the schools, say the trade unionists, for the nomination of teaching staff and the sending of mock-ups with the exam centers. Teachers are also required to sign affidavits agreeing to fulfill their duties, meet deadlines and maintain confidentiality in the process of scanning/uploading/transferring/grading written work. Furthermore, schools should nominate 10% more assistants than required, the two federations point out, in a joint appeal to members.
Although the aspects mentioned above seem necessary details in the organization of complex activities such as the simulation of national exams, the trade unionists believe that they represent a pressure, given the fact that at this time there is a consultation of the members regarding their desire to participate in these simulations.
“Our recommendation is clear: don’t sign!”the two federations ask, instructing the teachers to “don’t give in to attempts at intimidation”.
“If we don’t stand together now, in the twelfth hour, we risk our demands being ignored for good and our incomes being hit by new austerity measures. Unity is our only strength! We are not simple performers, we are professionals who deserve respect”, mobilizes its member unions on social networks.
“Gentlemen leaders, have you also now learned about the pressures in the schools?”
However, the opinions of “ordinary” union members are divided regarding this method of protest. Some believe that the simulations of the national exams are not really a stake and that they will be organized anyway, because in every school there are also teaching staff loyal to the director and thus the orders from the IȘJ will be implemented. Other teachers question the legality of this form of protest and warn that the boycott does not exist in specific legislation. However, there are very few who question the legitimacy of the leaders who are now asking them for solidarity after they decided to end the strike in 2023 without consulting the members from the counties.
“Leaders, have you now also learned about the pressures in the schools? They are not from now! Or you feel a pressure on your wallet and positions, that we did not care! The reason why I do not want to participate in the simulations is that I am tired of doing this for free for many years, not for you. When our hours were cut a few years ago, stop yelling like that”, it is the reaction of a member to the announcement made on the account of one of the federations.
“Solidarity with the assets of the union leaders?”is another comment, on the same note.
Other members instead point out that now is the time to start the fight in education, because “the allocation of 2.8% of GDP is being prepared, this means that there will be more cuts in education”. “If we are not united to protest as much as necessary until the injustice done is remedied, they will turn off the light on Romanian education! From autumn we will no longer have school, we will go to private education, this is the plan”, attention is drawn within the same comment.
“Everyone over the minister. Let’s see, does this disastrous situation suit him, newly appointed?”urges another teacher.
“A bit late! Nobody considers us professionals anymore”is also a bitter realization.
“In April I’m going to Dubai for a week! A strike would do well,” the comments that relax the atmosphere also appeared.
Other commentators point out that the threats will begin. Also at issue is the fact that teachers are still not paid for the extra work they say they do during these simulations.
“This is not how the problem should have been put, but in the following way: dear and dear ministry, you want to organize simulations of the national exams. Bravo to you, congratulations for thinking of the good of the children! We, the trade unionists, will wholeheartedly support you in this generous endeavor. Here, just for this occasion, is our list of promotional prices: commission president 2,000 lei, commission vice-president 1,950 lei, commission member 1,900 lei. Hurry, the offer is limited!”, another commentator points out how negotiations should actually proceed.
“I congratulate the teachers who have courage. Call the minister with the entire government apparatus to prepare the papers for the simulation and to participate in them and even in the exams on the money that a teacher collects”. another comment urges.
“Boycott is not a legal form of protest. You can be penalized for not fulfilling your duties”a warning also comes in the comments that have gathered on the federation’s post.
“I would be ASHAMED to enjoy a merit grade – which translates into considerable sums, by the way – and boycott these exams” – is a comment in which the initiative of the unions is sanctioned.
Calendar of national exam simulations
The simulations of the national exams organized in the 2025-2026 school year begin, according to the official calendar of the Ministry of Education and Research, on March 16, during the period March 16-18, the simulation tests for the National Assessment will take place, so that the following week the Baccalaureate simulation tests will take place.
Here is the calendar:
• March 16 – 18, 2026 – written tests for EN VIII simulation,
• March 23 – 26, 2026 – written tests for simulating the baccalaureate exam.
The subjects for which the EN VIII simulation is organized in the 2025 – 2026 school year are: Romanian language and literature, native language and literature for students belonging to national minorities who attended secondary school courses in their native language and mathematics.
The subjects in which the simulation of the written tests of the national baccalaureate exam in the 2025 – 2026 school year are organized are: Romanian language and literature, mother tongue and literature for students from all streams, profiles and specializations that followed high school studies in a language of national minorities, mathematics, history, physics, chemistry, biology, informatics, geography, logic, argumentation and communication, psychology, economics, sociology and philosophy.
