Social affairs ministry staff report bullying and disregard under current leadership

An anonymous survey of employees at Lithuania’s social security and labour ministry has revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the leadership of minister Jūratė Zailskienė and her team, with staff describing an atmosphere of arrogance, dismissive communication, and professional disrespect, LRT.lt reports.

The survey, conducted in February by the ministry’s trade union and completed by 106 of 273 employees, found that many staff feel sidelined by management, undervalued as experts, and unsafe expressing criticism. Respondents also reported receiving key policy information late and experiencing micromanagement.

One employee commented that the ministry “completely avoids admitting mistakes” and dismisses staff arguments while insisting political programmes are being implemented. Others noted a persistent gap between leadership’s stated openness to dialogue and their actual behaviour, including defensive reactions to feedback, condescension, and selective interpretation of concerns.

Minister Zailskienė stated she regularly discusses workplace issues with her team, including deputy minister Rita Grigalienė—who has faced separate allegations of misconduct in a separate case—and insisted her office remains open to addressing problems. The trade union chair declined to comment, citing internal matters.

The ministry’s leadership team includes Zailskienė, Chancellor Svetlana Tučkė, and deputy ministers Deimantė Bukeikaitė, Saulius Davainis, and Aušra Putk, each overseeing distinct policy areas such as pensions, social services, and labour rights.