Employment practice labour rights (8.2.9)

Széchenyi István University recognises employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining through its Collective Agreement, concluded with the institutional organisation of the Higher Education Employees’ Trade Union (FDSZ). The Agreement applies to all University employees, including those who are not members of the trade union, ensuring equal access to collectively negotiated employment conditions, benefits and protections (Bevezető rész, p. 3).

The University formally supports the operation of the trade union and guarantees its participation in employment-related matters. Under Appendix 3: Rules Governing the Relationship between the University and the Institutional Organisation of FDSZ, the trade union has the right to represent employees regarding employment conditions, social welfare, labour rights, and working conditions (2. Az együttműködés jogi és szervezeti alapjai, p. 14). The University also undertakes to provide the conditions necessary for trade union activities and consultation (1. Az Egyetem és az FDSZ Intézményi Szervezetének együttműködése and 3. Az FDSZ Intézményi Szervezet működési feltételeinek biztosítása, pp. 14–15).

The University’s Equal Opportunities Plan (2025–2027) further guarantees equal treatment and prohibits discrimination in all employment-related matters. The section “Általános célok és elvek” and “A hátrányos megkülönböztetés tilalma, egyenlő bánásmód biztosítása” (“General objectives and principles” and “Prohibition of discrimination, ensuring equal treatment”) establishes equal treatment as a fundamental principle, while the Plan commits the University to ensuring equal opportunities in recruitment, employment, remuneration, benefits, training, promotion and dismissal regardless of sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected characteristics (pp. 3–5).

As the Collective Agreement and Equal Opportunities Plan apply to the entire workforce, freedom of association, collective bargaining rights, and equal employment protections are available to all employees, including women and international staff.

The Trade Union is the institutional branch of the Higher Education Employees’ Trade Union (FDSZ), the third-largest sectoral trade union in Hungary. The Trade Union of Széchenyi István University operates independently, with its own institutional leadership, membership structure and communications.