Parents Face Another Problem: Primary School Teachers' Strike
As the new school year has just begun, parents are once again confronted with a problem they could have done without: a strike by primary school teachers. This is an alarming start to the year, as parents fear an escalation of the situation and potential risks for their children.
Unfortunately, many unionists still haven't understood that the time for indiscriminate strikes is over. Moreover, there is still a tendency to conflate legitimate demands with interference in the administration's prerogatives. Meanwhile, our unions have not finished choosing the shortest path to achieve their objectives.
As of yesterday, October 7, the General Federation of Basic Education (Fgeb) has carried out its threat of a strike. In fact, teachers had already begun their mobilization on September 13 by organizing meetings in schools, followed by rallies on September 17. Now, in the third week of the school year, the Fgeb has not hesitated to go on strike. The General Federation of Secondary Education (Fges) has published a statement of support, inviting teachers from colleges and high schools who are not on duty to gather in front of regional union headquarters or the Ugtt headquarters in Tunis.
While the right to strike is not in question, there are many reservations to be expressed, both about the method and the opportunity. A day of strike in primary school means depriving 1.9 million students of 4 to 5 hours of classes. Not to mention the disruption to parents' daily routines, who must take care of their children while coordinating with their work.
Although they deny it, the unions that resort to strikes so quickly are taking our students and their parents hostage. It's unfortunate to say, but that's the reality. No matter how legitimate the movement may be, there will always be criticisms that cannot be avoided.
What is deplorable is the long list of demands made by union leaders. These demands concern the material situation of teachers (bonuses, promotions, regularization of professional status, etc.) as well as other points that are subject to controversy. This includes initiatives that are the prerogative of the administration, such as the appointment of school principals or their deputies, the revision of the school schedule, maintenance and equipment of schools, etc. In short, demands that have nothing to do with union work.
What's even more serious, perhaps, is the fact that there is great satisfaction in announcing that the "strike was observed at 90%". According to the organizers, this is a given. However, this is not a cause for pride. On the contrary, it should raise concerns and worries about the future of our children and our education system.
A day of strike is a lost day. Furthermore, the threats of further measures to come can only aggravate the situation. However, during the Knowledge Day held on August 28, the Minister of Education announced the regularization of the situation of around 24,000 agents and teachers. Additionally, on September 25, 2025, six decrees were published in the Official Journal, providing for increases in several allowances for education sector staff and teachers, with retroactive effect and payments scheduled for 2026.
