Strike in schools: a mobilization on January 31?

[Mise à jour du 20 janvier 2023 à 10h07]. After one strike day Tuesday, January 17 to demand better working conditions and an increase in salaries, the teachers were again mobilized this Thursday January 19 to protest against the pension reform bill. More than a million people demonstrated in the streets in France, all sectors combined. All National Education staff were mobilized and many classes and schools were closed. Also in the second degree, high school students took part in the movement by blocking the entrance to several schools to defend their future retirement. Not to mention the services of canteens and school transport who were not insured in some municipalities. This Thursday, the ministry unveiled the strike participation rate, with a general weighted average of 35.15% in National Education and 38.50% on average for teachers. On a national level, a new day of strike is announced on January 31st.

What rate of participation in the strike in schools, colleges and high schools?

The Ministry of National Education and Youth communicated this Thursday morning the participation rates in the social movement for the metropolitan academies:

• General average on strike in National Education: 35.15%
• General average of teachers: 38.50%
• Average of 1st degree teachers: 42.35%
• Average of secondary school teachers: 34.66%
• Participation in colleges is estimated at 41.17%,
• in general and technological high schools at 30.04%
• in vocational high schools at 20.99%.

A new strike announced on January 31, and in the schools?

According to several trade union sources, the eight main French trade unions have already announced thata new day of strike would be organized on January 31, against the pension reform. Teachers should once again join the movement. The secretary general of the CGT Philippe Martinez had hinted this Thursday, January 19 that other mobilizations could take place. “If there is no positive response from the government, as I said: this is the first stage, and there will be a second stage”.

High school strike: several establishments blocked

The strike of Thursday January 19 also concerned high school students, who blocked several high schools brandishing placards against pension reform. The police were present on the spot and had to use tear gas aerosols to disperse the young people who blocked the entrance to the establishments. “We are in total solidarity with the workers, but not only. This reform has a direct impact on us and only young people can make things happen.“declared this Thursday Thomas Alves, president of the FIDL94 at the Parisian. These blockades were initiated by several high school student unions, including the Mouvement National Lycéen (MNL). “Blockades are the only way for young people to be heard by the government”, MNL secretary Aldo Chibani told BFMTV on January 16, 2023.

What if my child’s school or class is closed?

For parents who want to know if a reception service will be maintained for this strike day, the answer is yes. “In many schools, when it is not closed, only a few teachers will teach the class“, said the teachers’ union in its press release. Invited on RMC, Guislaine David recalled thata minimum childcare service is compulsory in primary schools, nursery schools and primary schools. “This is why we must (teachers editor’s note) declare at least 48 hours in advance to organize this service”, comments the secretary general of the Snuipp-FSU. On the other hand, it specifies that in certain territories this service may not be set up. In cases where there is no childcare service in place, the parents of students must on their side find a solution to have their children looked after (nanny, baby sitter, care by a neighbour, trusted neighbor or grandparents). Without a solution, some parents have no choice but to ask for an RTT day or a telework day.

Can a student be turned away from school during a strike?

In the first degree, even if there is a planned strike in a school, under no circumstances can a pupil be refused school. “A pupil in primary school (nursery or elementary) must be welcomed during class time, even if his teacher or mistress is absent. This reception service is free. It is provided differently at public school and at private school under contract”indicates the site of the Public Service, according to the law in force since 2008.

Are teachers obliged to declare themselves strikers in advance?

The right to strike in National Education responds to a few obligations. In the first degree, school teachers must declare their intention to go on strike in advance, at least 48 hours before the movement, respecting one working day. It is therefore not possible to declare oneself a striker on Friday if the strike takes place on Monday. If the teacher does not inform his management, he incurs a disciplinary sanction, indicates the ministry’s website.

In colleges and high schools, if a notice has already been given by a union, teachers are not obliged to declare themselves to be on strike in advance. It is up to the management of the establishment to carry out a census of the strikers and to inform the pupils and their families of them in advance. In fact, some teachers also use interactive platforms with students and families to announce their participation or not a few hours before the start of classes. Advice: do not hesitate to contact the school management a few days before or the day before to find out the details of the mobilization to come.