National education will be at the heart of this day of mobilization. The FSU, UNSA Éducation and SUD Éducation unions have confirmed their participation, denouncing measures such as the extension of the waiting period for sick leave, a reduction in compensation from 100% to 90%, and the elimination of 4,000 posts in schools. These reforms, spearheaded by Minister Guillaume Kasbarian, have crystallized the anger of teachers and educational staff.
"Don't let it happen" is the slogan put forward by SNUipp-FSU, the national union of primary and secondary school teachers, in the run-up to Thursday December 5, 2024, a day that promises to be marked by a massive strike in elementary schools.
Many elementary school are expected to remain closed, and canteens and day-care centers will be largely out of action, as in Strasbourg, where municipal authorities have already announced a complete shutdown of canteens. This is largely due to the massive mobilization of after-school care workers, who are also on strike.
In addition to schools, municipal services will also be severely disrupted. It is advisable to postpone any administrative tasks until a later date, as reception at town halls may be limited. Although the hospital sector is taking part in the strike, emergency care and patient reception should remain assured.
This strike is part of a wider protest against the 1.2 billion euro cut in the 2025 budget for the civil service, announced by Prime Minister Michel Barnier. For the unions, these savings risk compromising the very functioning of schools and public services.
The slogan "Everyone on strike on December 5" reflects the unity of a movement that could spread to other sectors in the weeks ahead. Thursday may well mark the start of a prolonged mobilization against the "Kasbarian measures", as the unions have dubbed them. Their demands also include an increase in the index point, restoration of the GIPA, and a genuine status for AESHs (assistants for pupils with disabilities).
If you have young children or administrative formalities to complete, it's advisable to take precautions for this Thursday, December 5, 2024, a day that promises many disruptions in schools and public services throughout France.
