Employment practice appeal process (8.2.8)

Széchenyi István University provides formal procedures through which employees can raise concerns and appeal issues related to employment rights, discrimination, equal treatment and workplace conduct.

Under the Equal Opportunities Plan (2025–2027), any employee who believes that the principle of equal treatment has been violated may submit a written complaint to the Vice-President for Education and General Affairs. The complaint is investigated by the competent body, which may include the Ethics Committee, disciplinary bodies, the integrity officer, the trade union or other relevant university entities. Employees are informed in writing about the outcome of the investigation and retain the right to pursue additional legal remedies. (Equal Opportunities Plan, Section 4, p. 9).

The University’s Code of Conduct also establishes a formal Ethics Procedure through which any University citizen may report violations of ethical standards. Complaints are reviewed by the Ethics Committee, which has the authority to investigate cases, hear the parties involved, make determinations and recommend corrective measures or sanctions. Decisions of the Ethics Committee may be appealed to the Rector of the University. (Code of Conduct: The Ethics Committee, The Ethics Procedure)

In addition, the Collective Agreement recognises the role of the representative trade union (FDSZ) in protecting employees’ interests and representing staff in matters concerning employment conditions, social welfare and labour rights. It also provides mechanisms for consultation and dispute resolution between employees and the University.

Pay-related decisions are covered by the same routes: the equal-treatment requirement of the Equal Opportunities Plan expressly extends to salaries and benefits, so an employee who considers a pay decision unfair may file the written complaint and may be represented by the trade union (Collective Agreement, Annex 3, pp. 14–15).