Kindergarten Employees in Tyumen File Complaint Against Principal

Employees of Kindergarten No. 73 in Tyumen have filed a complaint with the relevant department and the prosecutor«s office. They are asking for an investigation into the principal»s activities for violations of labor law and professional ethics.

One of the teachers, who wished to remain anonymous, said:

The principal informs teachers that their professional qualities do not meet her requirements, offering to demote them to teacher«s assistants under threat of dismissal or total control. Criticism of employees is conducted in an unacceptable form with public discussions of shortcomings and comparisons. The principal criticizes employees» appearance and speech peculiarities, calling them vulgar in conversation and pointing out excess weight.

According to the employee, the management also pressures parents for sponsorship. After such requests, televisions were purchased for younger groups, even though their use is only permitted from age five, which causes concern among families.

Separately, she noted problems with payment:

In December, junior teachers and cooks received 10,000 rubles less (about $100 at current rates) — without explanation. Points are offered to be earned in free time from work (painting, washing, cleaning), but incentive payments remain the same or decrease. A clause has been introduced about incentives for the absence of sick leave, which is illegal. Many employees have resigned, forced to leave of their own accord — under threat of dismissal «under article». Working under such stress is uncomfortable.

The kindergarten principal, Natalia Medvedeva, refuted these accusations. She stated:

Information that kindergarten employees are subjected to regular criticism bordering on personal attacks, forced to do additional work without pay, and cases of non-payment of incentive bonuses does not correspond to reality.

Medvedeva clarified that donations from parents are accepted on a voluntary basis and formalized with contracts for use in the educational process, which is permitted by law.

The Tyumen education department reported that it is not aware of the conflict in Kindergarten No. 73. The head of the department, Olga Trenina, noted:

Constructive criticism from a manager towards subordinates is not a violation of professional ethics. Forcing additional work without pay is unacceptable. If violations are identified, the manager is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with labor law.

The provincial education department did not respond to the request, redirecting it to the city department. A response from the prosecutor«s office had not been received at the time of publication.

Previously in Tyumen, an inspection of a private kindergarten was completed. A blogger had complained about this institution, claiming poor treatment of children. The parents of pupils and the kindergarten owner had differing opinions. The prosecutor«s office identified violations but did not disclose details.