Mongolia: Major union victory as persistent mobilisation and widely supported strike lead to substantial increase in teachers’ basic salary
After more than 13 weeks of strike and nine rounds of negotiations, the teachers’ strike in Mongolia has been called off following a favourable agreement between the Federation of Mongolian Education and Science Unions (FMESU) and Mongolia’s Ministry of Education. Teachers’ basic salary will increase by 50%.
Strong public support for educators’ strike
FMESU President, Mr. Zambal Tsogtgerel, expressed his gratitude to all education personnel, parents, students, the general public, and the media for their unwavering support throughout the strike and for ensuring that timely updates and information were shared widely.
“As of January 2026, teachers’ basic salary will be raised to 2.8 million Mongolian tughriks (around 680 euros), marking a 50% increase, and by 26% from November 1st, 2026. Discussions and negotiations to reach the target of 3.5 million Mongolian tughriks (around 840 euros) will continue in 2026,” he stated.
The substantial increase it is seen as a significant win for teachers and the FMESU. “From having no increase in the education budget to achieving a 50% raise – this is a WIN!,” the FMESU leader stressed.
Public opinion overwhelmingly favoured teachers and their cause. The strike was not only a call for fair wages, but also for the recognition of teachers’ work and professional status.
Students and parents showed solidarity by preparing snacks and morning treats for teachers. As grade 12 students from School No. 75 underlined, “we, your students and our parents, wholeheartedly support our teachers struggle to raise your salary!”
Public debates were dominated by questions around why teachers were being paid less than a bus driver and why the state budget was insufficient to support such a vital sector of society. Several television stations and members of Parliament have suggested ways to better support the education sector and to raise teachers’ salaries.
New agreement signed between teachers’ union and Ministry of Education
Intense negotiations took place on October 30th-31st, 2025, and concluded successfully on November 3rd, 2025. FMESU and the Ministry of Education signed a supplementary agreement, annexed to the 2024 -2026 tripartite agreement, which came into effect on November 3rd, 2025. This agreement stipulates that the salaries of all public school teachers will be raised by 50% as of January 2026, and that salaries of teachers who participated in the strike will be compensated.
As of November 5th, 2025, schools and education institutions are expected to resume normal operations.
The FMESU and the Ministry of Education have also agreed to continue the discussions on increasing teachers’ basic salary to 3.5 million Mongolian Tugriks in the 2027 state budget proposal.
Go Public! Fund Education campaign
The salary increase marks a major victory for Mongolian educators after a massive mobilisation that saw over 40,000 teachers and education support personnel from 720 educational institutions taking part in the nationwide strike.
The FMESU campaign to raise teachers’ salaries and combat the teacher shortage in Mongolia is part of Education International’s global Go Public! Fund Education campaign.
