Organized on January 15, this first action coincides with the traditional “counting day” of students in FWB schools. It is this figure that determines the number of teachers funded in each school.
30,000 against pension reform: “It is proven that we have a significant reduction in life expectancy” (video)
“Black Wednesday”
This “Black Wednesday”, as the unions have called it, will be marked by work stoppages in many schools in Wallonia and Brussels. Local actions are also planned by the various regional unions. Thus, in Liège, a rally is planned in front of the headquarters of Les Engagés, the party of the Azur coalition in power.
In the province of Luxembourg, teachers are invited to dress in black as a sign of mourning. Actions are also planned in Charleroi and Walloon Brabant. “It will move throughout the Federation in different forms, either through general assemblies or via rallies,” comments Roland Lahaye, the general secretary of CSC-Enseignement.
The unions intend to denounce the savings measures adopted last month by the MR-Engagés majority. These notably provide for a 3% reduction in the number of hours in qualifying education (technical and vocational), the end of vocational 7th grades or even the referral of adult students who have dropped out to adult education.
For the unions, these measures will lead to the loss of at least 500 full-time equivalents, which Minister Valérie Glatigny (MR) however contests.
-Tuesday morning, the minister met the unions again to discuss the measures aimed at qualifying him but without in any way calming the tense climate.
“It’s a dialogue of the deaf!”, complains Roland Lahaye. “The minister tells us that there will be no job losses but she is not telling the whole truth. It is clear that there will be no way to find employment for everyone. The world of qualifying education is so specific. You can’t tell a carpentry teacher to go teach mechanics tomorrow!
In addition to this “Black Wednesday” scheduled for tomorrow, the unions will again organize work stoppages and general meetings in schools next week to inform their affiliates of the announced end of the appointment of teachers this time.
This mobilization of the teaching world must culminate on January 27 with a major demonstration in the streets of the capital. Teachers, all levels and networks combined, are invited to fold their arms on January 27 and 28 for a 48-hour strike.
In light of the mobilization, the unions will immediately decide on the continuation of their actions. The discontent could, however, continue. The common front has in fact already decided to file an “unlimited” strike notice immediately.
