French Teachers Protest Resource Cuts Ahead of New School Year

Paris, France – Teachers across France are preparing to demonstrate this Tuesday in front of the Ministry of National Education, protesting planned reductions in educational resources as the new school year approaches. The Force Ouvrière (FO) education union is organizing the demonstration, with representation from 24 departments, including Calvados, Orne, Manche, and Eure, which are among the most severely affected by the cuts.

Union Frustration with Centralized Decision-Making

The FO union expressed frustration with what they perceive as a lack of responsiveness from academic inspection and the Rectorate, who consistently state that decision-making power resides in Paris. This has prompted the union to take their concerns directly to the national level.

Extent of the Cuts

The primary concern is the reduction in resources allocated for the upcoming school year. Jean-Rémy Haselvander, secretary of the FO education federation for the Orne department, reported that eleven teaching positions will be eliminated in middle schools in the Orne department next year. This adds to sixteen positions cut this school year and four the year prior, totaling 31 lost positions in three years – a number equivalent to the number of middle schools in the department. Haselvander highlighted instances of students beginning the year without assigned teachers. Further cuts are anticipated in high schools (potentially up to eight positions) and primary schools (17 positions).

Normandy Region Particularly Affected

Laurent Baussier, secretary of the FO education federation for Calvados, stated that Normandy is the third most affected academic region in France by these cuts. In Calvados, 29 middle school positions and approximately 15-18 high school positions are slated for elimination.

Demographic Trends and Class Sizes

Baussier argued that the current demographic trends, specifically declining student numbers in some areas, present an opportunity to reduce class sizes and improve working conditions. But, he contends that this opportunity is being missed, as class sizes are not decreasing despite the declining enrollment.

Demonstration Details

The demonstration is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in front of the Ministry of National Education in Paris, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The FO union has secured a meeting with the Minister of Education, Edouard Geffray, to discuss their concerns.

Source:2017 French legislative election