Tyumen kindergarten staff complain of management abuses

Current and former employees of Tyumen Kindergarten No. 73 have told us about the problematic situation that has developed. In short, they are asking the relevant department and the prosecutor«s office to pay attention to the activities of the head of the kindergarten. The reason is possible violations of the labor code and professional ethics.

«The head of the kindergarten informs teachers that their professional qualities do not meet her requirements, offering to move to assistant teacher positions under threat of dismissal or total control. Criticism of employees is conducted in an unacceptable form with public discussions of shortcomings and comparisons. The head criticizes employees» appearance and speech peculiarities, calls them vulgar in conversation, points out excess weight,« – told 72.RU on condition of anonymity one of the kindergarten employees.

According to her, there are other reasons for indignation.

«The head actively encourages seeking sponsors among parents, which puts pressure on parents and employees. After such »requests,« televisions were purchased and installed in younger groups, although this is only allowed from age 5, and children are shown cartoons, which causes concern among parents,» – continued our interlocutor.

A separate problem, according to the kindergarten employee, is the payment, which she cannot call fair.

«In December, junior teachers and cooks received 10,000 rubles (approximately $100 at current rates) less – 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 point about incentives for absence of sick leave has been introduced, which is illegal. Many employees who were forced to leave of their own accord have quit – under threat of dismissal »under an article.« It is uncomfortable to work in such stress,» – specified the kindergarten employee.

The head sees the situation completely differently.

«Information that kindergarten employees are subjected to regular criticism with personal attacks, forced to additional work without pay, as well as cases of non-payment of incentive bonuses do not correspond to reality,» – told 72.RU Natalya Medvedeva.

She also clarified that parents of pupils can make gifts to the kindergarten on a voluntary and gratuitous basis – this is permitted by current Russian legislation. This is done on the basis of a donation agreement «for the purpose of use in the educational process with preschool children.»

The city Department of Education claims that they are not aware of the conflict between the employee and the management of Kindergarten No. 73. However, if it turns out to be true, measures will be taken.

«Constructive criticism by 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 held disciplinarily responsible in accordance with labor legislation,» – told 72.RU the head of the department Olga Trenina.

The regional Department of Education did not respond to our questions regarding the situation in the kindergarten, redirecting them to the city department. We also appealed to the prosecutor«s office. At the time of publication, no response had been received from the agency.

Meanwhile, a recent inspection has concluded at a private kindergarten, which a couple of months ago a blogger complained about. She spoke of terrible treatment of children, parents of pupils tried to convince otherwise. The owner of the kindergarten had her own version: it is here. In the end, the prosecutor«s office identified violations in the kindergarten, about which it informed us without going into details.