We can all see how the Russian authorities are trying to shape children’s loyalty through the system of so-called “patriotic education,” promoting a simple message: “we are right and we are the best—simply because we are us.” One of the tools for this has been optional school classes such as “Conversations About Important Things,” introduced starting from first grade. At the same time, topics related to citizens’ rights and opportunities—including labor rights—are usually avoided: talking about rights inevitably clashes with the interests of those in power and with society’s demand for a fair and promising future for themselves and their children. Against this backdrop, government representatives regularly claim that teachers earn “high average salaries,” although many educators do not see this reflected in real life (source).

That is why “informational resistance” within the professional community is becoming increasingly visible. A telling example is an action announced by the “Teacher” union for January 12, the first working day after the holidays: educators across the country are encouraged to hold lessons about labor rights and the role of trade unions. The union states the purpose clearly—this is a gentle, warning form of protest and a signal to the Ministry of Education and the government: there have been many promises about raising salaries, but teachers have not felt meaningful change.

The union is not calling for “barricades,” but for something that fits within the profession: to give students basic knowledge that will be useful in real life. That means teachers can devote “Conversations About Important Things” to labor rights that day, or integrate the topic into regular classes: in math—problems about the consumer basket and calculating wages; in literature—stories about hard labor and exploitation; in history—examples of the struggle for the eight-hour workday and the development of the labor movement. A special focus is placed on practical issues almost every worker faces: what to do if wages are delayed, where to seek protection, why you cannot be fired “just because you weren’t liked,” and why no one is obliged to perform dangerous work.

The union also notes that in recent years “Conversations About Important Things” has essentially not addressed labor rights—while frequently promoting themes like business, entrepreneurship, and “jobs of the future.” The action aims to restore balance: students are future workers, and understanding their rights is no less important than any “motivational” lecture. The union also encourages public support: hold a lesson, share the materials/cards for reposting, and sign the appeal.

Source: https://t.me/pedago_gprof/1457