University Unions Demand Withdrawal of Higher Education and Science Draft Law

The leadership of the university unions in Armenia has issued a statement demanding the withdrawal of the draft law on Higher Education and Science. The statement reads, "On December 3, this year, the government of Armenia approved the draft law on Higher Education and Science, sending it to the National Assembly for urgent discussion and adoption.

The draft poses a threat to university autonomy, academic freedom, and the role of union representatives (including academic, administrative, academic support, and technical staff) within the university system.

Notably, the draft completely omits the participation of existing trade unions in the university boards of trustees and academic councils. It also fails to mention the authority of rectors to enter into collective agreements and does not emphasize the workers' right to join trade unions and professional associations operating within universities. This oversight will further enhance the role of trade unions in protecting the labor and professional rights of educational staff.

Moreover, a controversial provision has been added at the last moment allowing university rectors to be appointed by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports for up to five years, without specifying any requirements for the position. In essence, the minister can appoint any person as rector for up to five years.

This provision completely undermines university autonomy and academic freedoms, thereby violating the legitimate interests of faculty staff and scientific personnel.

The university unions of Armenia have pointed out all these deficiencies and made numerous proposals; unfortunately, all proposals have remained unanswered. In light of the above, we demand the withdrawal of the draft law on Higher Education and Science from the National Assembly and call for the necessary measures to be taken to revise the draft law in collaboration with all interested parties.

If these measures are not taken, we reserve the right to act within the scope of the possibilities granted to us by the Armenian legislation to prevent the adoption of this draft law."