The national strike of March 7 should be particularly followed in schools. The unions are calling for all schools, colleges and high schools to be closed, or even to renew the movement to obtain the withdrawal of the pension reform. Here’s the latest info you need to know.
After the first mobilization on January 19, which marked the beginning of the protest against the pension reformthe unions are calling for a new day of national strike on Tuesday March 7 to bring down the government. This will be the sixth day of mobilization. As with previous movements, several professional sectors have declared that they will be mobilized, including theNational Education. In schools, major disruptions are expected to take place. The inter-union of Education plans to “totally close schools, colleges, high schools and services” as well as universities, if the government does not give in. A renewable strike in schools would even be considered, can we read in several press releases. “We will go as far as withdrawal”indicate some tracts.
Will schools be closed on March 7, and after?
The national strike on Tuesday March 7 prepare in schools. The inter-union of Education wants a strong mobilization. The SNUipp-FSU union, like others, states in its press release of February 23 “on March 7, we close the schools!”. CIO services and universities are also expected to be closed on March 7. Furthermore, a second day of action is organized on Wednesday 8 March. A date that coincides with the international women’s rights day. Its objective is to “highlight the major social injustice of this reform against women”.
New school strikes in March?
In several press releases, it is a question of renew the strike after March 8 until the withdrawal of the pension reform. The SNUipp-FSU union mentions it in its press release, indicating: “The union calls on staff to close schools on March 7, to mobilize on March 8 and to discuss collectively, in particular in GA, the follow-up to be given March 9, 10 and after. It’s time for the government to listen!”
In March, we block the country!
On strike on March 7 to participate in the blocking of the country, on March 8 we continue for the feminist strike, and we will go until the withdrawal!Retirement, we fought to win it, we will fight to keep it#stop64ans#grave7mars pic.twitter.com/X2BF9ABpyk
– SOUTH education (@SUD_education) February 26, 2023
What is the student mobilization for the March 7 strike?
Alongside the teachers’ unions, the mobilization of young people remains intact. The youth trade union organizations responded to the call for a strike on 7 March. This mobilization should block activity in places of study. Of the “actions in places of study every Thursday until March 7“ should also be organized, indicates a press release of February 21. Another day of mobilization, the Thursday, March 9, is planned by the youth “in particular to improve the system of youth scholarships”.
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.
Is a minimum reception service provided for in the schools?
In the event of a strike in schools, a minimum reception service is provided for by law, under certain conditions. Primary schools (primary and elementary schools) must 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.
What if my child’s school or class is closed?
Primary schools (kindergarten and elementary) are concerned 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.
Right to strike in National Education: how does it work?
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.
