Teachers protest in Brussels against austerity measures for francophone education
More than a thousand teachers have taken to the streets in Brussels on Monday to denounce the cost-cutting measures planned for next year in education by the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the French Community of Belgium. Teachers in Wallonia also took part in the general strike.
The trade unions called on the approximately 120,000 teachers in French-language education to down tools on Monday in protest against the French Community government's austerity plans. Local actions are being organised throughout the French Community today, such as human chains, sit-ins and vigils. In Brussels, activists amongst others gathered in front of the French Community government building on Madou Square.
The decision to increase the number of teaching hours for teachers in higher and secondary education without financial compensation has caused particular controversy. “When she (Walloon education minister Valérie Glatigny, ed.) adds two hours to the working day of teachers in higher education, she does not realise that this means extra pupils, extra parents and extra meetings. This will lead to 1,500 fewer jobs,” said Fabrice Pinna of the CSC education union.
The unions also criticise other cost-cutting measures, such as reducing the materials budget, increasing school fees and abolishing free education for the youngest pupils.
“Education has been continuously affected by a succession of measures for years,” stated Hugo Lejeune, trade union representative of the SLFP education union. According to Lejeune, the constant changes create “enormous mental pressure”. According to the trade union representatives, the measures were introduced “without real consultation” and after unsuccessful negotiations.
The trade unions, including those in the education sector, have taken to the streets several times in recent months to denounce the federal government's austerity and pension measures. The next three-day national strike rally, involving many sectors, will take place from 24 to 26 November.
Protest of teachers against the French Community government's austerity plans © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK + © BELGA VIDEO MATEUSZ KUKULKA
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