10-day strike affecting French-speaking schools

A teachers’ strike is affecting some French-speaking schools in Brussels and Wallonia and is set to last for 10 days.

Participation in the strike is expected to be relatively high as all Walloon provinces are affected and many schools have already announced their support for this action, which began on Monday.

The CSC Enseignement union has called on teachers to strike until 27 May, condemning cuts planned by the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

They also oppose the increase in tuition fees for higher education students, the reduction in sick pay and pensions, and an increase in the workload for upper secondary school teachers without any compensation in pay.

“The government is not only out of touch with teachers, but also with children,” said union president Xavier Toussaint.

The practical impact of the strike will vary depending on the region. Some schools may suspend the vast majority of their lessons, while other schools will take more symbolic action, such as work stoppages during the day or staff meetings.

“It’s time to change course and take social realities into account,” said Toussaint.

“Our wealth is education. Our wealth is the knowledge we can pass on to our young people. We must therefore invest in young people and find solutions other than those currently on the table.”