Teachers across Tunisia and Belgium are gearing up for significant strikes and protests in response to ongoing grievances related to education policies and working conditions. As the situation escalates, educators are uniting to demand better compensation, improved working conditions, and a serious dialogue with education authorities.
In Tunisia, on April 4, 2025, the sectorial administrative commission of secondary education convened at the headquarters of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) to announce a strike scheduled for May 28 and 29, 2025. This strike aims to denounce the inaction of the Ministry of Education regarding teachers' demands. Mohamed Safi, the secretary-general of the secondary education federation, emphasized that the strike will affect all public secondary schools and lycées across the country.
"The demands are numerous and include doubling the specific bonus, revising promotions to enhance their financial value, and increasing the national exam bonus," Safi stated. Additionally, teachers are calling for the adoption of a law that would criminalize assaults in schools. He underscored the necessity of engaging in a serious dialogue with the Ministry of Education to address these pressing issues.
Meanwhile, the situation in Taï, a region in Ivory Coast, reflects a similar trend of mobilization among teachers. On April 6, 2025, reports indicated that the participation rate in the ongoing strike initiated by the Intersyndicale of the Ministry of National Education and Literacy (IS-MENA) surged from 42% to 62.33% in just one day. This increase indicates growing discontent among educators, with 230 out of 369 agents participating in the work stoppage.
"Some teachers ensured minimum service by supervising scheduled examinations before joining the strike movement," said Bema Fofana, an inspector of preschool and primary education. The strike, which began on April 3, is set to continue until the educators' demands are met, primarily focusing on the provision of an incentive bonus for education sector personnel.
As the strike unfolds, secondary schools in Taï and Zagné are experiencing near-total paralysis, with only administrative tasks being carried out. The principal of the municipal high school in Taï expressed concern over the disruption of physical tests for the Brevet d’études du premier cycle (BEPC), which were scheduled to begin on April 3.
In Belgium, the education sector is also bracing for a wave of protests. Starting April 7, 2025, rotating strikes will occur in Wallonia and Brussels, with schools in the provinces of Liège and Luxembourg being the first affected. The protests are a response to the government's educational reforms and budget cuts, which educators argue threaten the quality of education.
Luc Toussaint, president of the FGTB, shared plans for the week, stating, "On Monday, schools in Liège and Luxembourg will be the first to feel the impact. Namur, Walloon Brabant, and Brussels will take action on Tuesday. A 'carnival of the sacrificed' is organized in Mons on Thursday, and we will distribute thousands of copies of the 'gazette' containing teachers' testimonies on Wednesday."
The protests are part of a broader movement that has been ongoing since January, when a strike notice was filed to cover any potential actions. This mobilization has included significant demonstrations, with more than 30,000 participants on January 27, 2025. The Minister of Education, Valérie Glatigny, addressed the strikes, acknowledging the concerns of educators while emphasizing the need for necessary reforms.
"I hear some concerns, but I regret the loss of learning that this means for students. The status quo is no longer feasible. These are necessary reforms, and they are being discussed with education stakeholders who are part of the ongoing working groups," Glatigny stated.
She reiterated her commitment to creating a proper status for teachers and restoring their authority to combat the ongoing teacher shortage. Additionally, the minister acknowledged the fatigue expressed by educators regarding administrative burdens stemming from successive reforms over the past eight years.
With the educational landscape in both Tunisia and Belgium facing significant challenges, the upcoming strikes and protests reflect a growing urgency among educators to advocate for their rights and the quality of education. As the protests unfold, the impact on students and the broader education system remains to be seen.
In summary, the teachers' strikes across Tunisia and Belgium highlight a critical moment in the education sector, as educators rally for better working conditions, fair compensation, and a genuine dialogue with authorities. The outcomes of these actions will likely have lasting implications for the future of education in both regions.
