While the text on pension reform has just been voted on in the Senate, a new strike is planned by the inter-union this Wednesday, March 15, 2023. In schools, the movement should be followed as well as in universities. Update on the latest announcements concerning the strike in National Education.
There mobilization against the pension reform continues. While the text was voted on in the Senate this Saturday, March 11, with 195 votes for and 112 against, the idea of using article 49-3 in the National Assembly, to push through the reform, would gently surface in government, according to some MPs. A project that the executive denies, spokesman Olivier Véran said “We don’t want 49-3”, at a press conference on Sunday March 12. Be that as it may, the intersyndicale does not intend to stop the mobilization since a new interprofessional strike is announced for this Wednesday March 15, after that of March 11. A day that will have a double importance because it will also be the day of examination of the reform in a joint committee, before a final vote on March 16. In National Education, teacher unions have already relayed the call for a strike.
What mobilization in schools for the strike on Wednesday March 15?
After the mobilization of March 11, March 15 strike should be more vocal in schools, as it is a school day for most students. The SUD Education union called “all National Education and university staff to continue and amplify the mobilization” March 15, indicates the union statement, published on March 9. On the side of the CGT Education, we hammer “We continue and we will be on strike until the withdrawal”, in a tweet posted on March 10. Of the disturbances could therefore be organized in schools, colleges, high schools, but also in extracurricular reception and canteen services, as was the case during the strike of March 7. Some municipalities and establishments are already communicating on the services that will not be maintained on March 15. Moreover, SUD Education goes even further since it offers a “strong mobilization” on March 20 and 21, during the 2023 baccalaureate specialty exams.
Specialty test on March 20 and 21: SUD Education calls on staff to discuss the exam strike
SUD Education already supports establishments that will choose the exam strike as a modality#bachttps://t.co/0CxKMXAeTw pic.twitter.com/kwfFRshXyw
– SOUTH education (@SUD_education) March 12, 2023
What is the mobilization of youth for the March 15 strike?
For the next mobilization of March 15young people will once again make their demands on pension reform heard, after having already defended them during the March 9 student strike. The UNEF relayed the following message on its Twitter account: “RDV in the street on #11mars and #15mars to impose a defeat on the government!”. Blockades of establishments and other actions could take place. For young people, this reform desired by the government concerns them just as much as their parents. “We don’t want to work so late when we don’t need to! We refuse this social project where we are selected at 18 and we are made precarious at 20“said Colin Champion, president of the high school student union La Voix Lycéenne, on the set of Telematin March 9.
Why are teachers opposed to pension reform?
In National Education, opponents of pension reform are numerous. The teachers are against the government’s plan, which they deem “unfair”, particularly with regard to raising the legal retirement age to 64 and extending the contribution period. Most also claim a upgrading of the teaching profession which must pass over working conditions, the training of future teachers and the remuneration of staff. “In the schools, the deep anger felt about the pension reform is fueled by other ministerial decisions that are undermining the School and its staff. more than 4000 class closures announcedthe ‘work more to earn more’ of the ‘teacher pact’ but also a salary increase that will not be up to par”says the SNUipp-FSU press release, published on February 23.
Is a minimum reception service provided for in schools on strike?
The minimum reception service is compulsory in the event of a strike in certain schools and under certain conditions. Primary schools (primary and elementary schools) are required to provide a minimum reception service for all their pupils, when there is more than 25% of teachers declared on strike. On the other hand, colleges or high schools are not subject to this obligation. The same applies to crèches and after-school care in the structures.
Can a student be refused entry to school if there is 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.
What if my child’s school or class is completely closed?
Primary schools (nursery and elementary) are affected by the minimum reception service in the event of a strike (if more than 25% of teachers are absent). This is not the case for colleges and high schools, as well as in nurseries or even for after-school care. 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. Without a solution, some parents sometimes have to take a day off or telecommute.
How does the right to strike work in National Education?
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.