Teachers’ Union will fight for the recovery of illegally collected OIK charges, says Vanaga

The “Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees” (LIZDA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the association “Tiesiskums.lv” to support the recovery of illegally collected Mandatory Procurement Component (OIK) payments and promote the enforcement of the rule of law in Latvia. Thus, support for Tiesiskums.lv’s fight for the recovery of the unlawfully collected OIK has now been expressed by two influential NGOs — LIZDA and the Latvian Pensioners’ Federation, BNN reports, citing the association.

The joint statement reads: “The agreement between the organizations provides for cooperation not only in recovering the unlawfully collected OIK payments, but also in uniting forces more broadly to push for increased accountability within public institutions and by public officials. Citizens must be able to seek compensation for damages caused by institutional inaction, negligence, or unlawful conduct.”

“Tiesiskums.lv, just like LIZDA, is committed to justice, the rule of law, and accountability. It is vital that every person in Latvia can trust the power of law and the decisions made by politicians,” said LIZDA chairwoman Inga Vanaga.

As part of the cooperation agreement, LIZDA will inform its members about Tiesiskums.lv initiatives to reclaim the illegally collected OIK charges and will also participate in other joint activities aimed at strengthening public accountability and protecting citizens’ rights, the association stated.

“The cooperation between Tiesiskums.lv and LIZDA is a natural fit because LIZDA has always stood up for the rights

of teachers, highlighted injustices, and fought to correct them,” said Artis Stucka, sworn attorney, Doctor of Law, and a representative of Tiesiskums.lv. According to him, it is highly significant that such an influential union, representing those working in the education and science sector, is defending the rule of law. “Teachers are the ones who shaped every one of us — including government members, opinion leaders, writers, artists, and legal professionals now advocating for OIK repayment — into the individuals we are. That alone proves that LIZDA’s involvement shows we are on the right path.”

LIZDA chairwoman Inga Vanaga urges people not to remain indifferent and to register for the initiative to reclaim the unlawfully collected OIK.

“This is how each of us can contribute to strengthening democratic values — by sending a clear message to policymakers that such injustices must never be repeated,” the association noted. “We stand together for justice, accountability, and fairness. With this step, we show that we will not accept historically unjust decisions. LIZDA calls on all its members to join the initiative by Tiesiskums.lv and make use of the opportunity to reclaim the money unlawfully taken through OIK charges. We also call on all members of society to trust the initiative, explore the information available on the Tiesiskums.lv website, and make their choice,” Vanaga said.

The LIZDA chairwoman emphasized that while the possibility for people to reclaim their money is important, it is even more crucial that, as a society, we do not allow similar violations of our rights in the future — and if such violations do occur, we must demand real accountability from the decision-makers responsible.

Read also: BNN Interview | Lawyer Stucka: everyone was deceived by the OIK – it’s time to hold someone accountable

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