Tensions are escalating in Algeria's education sector as the Conseil national autonome du personnel enseignant du secteur ternaire de l'éducation (Cnapeste) has threatened to go on strike. The move comes after a meeting between six autonomous unions, including Cnapeste, which decided to continue their protest movement that began on January 21. The unions are demanding action from the Ministry of Education over various concerns, including unaddressed abuses and excesses committed against teachers.
The Cnapeste has announced that it will undertake a strike action in coordination with the intersyndicale de l'éducation, a coalition of six autonomous unions. This decision was made during an extraordinary national council meeting attended by representatives from 40 wilayas. The union is protesting against what it sees as the Ministry of Education's failure to address issues such as the refusal to grant authorization for assemblies at the wilaya level and unilateral decision-making.
The Cnapeste and other unions have expressed concerns over the Ministry of Education's governance style, which they believe has failed to respect its commitments regarding the special status and social welfare of sector workers. In November 2015, the unions had signed a charter of ethics with the Ministry, but later withdrew from it collectively. They have also boycotted official meetings and activities organized by the Ministry.
According to the Cnapeste, the Ministry of Education has continued to ignore the problems faced by teachers, citing examples of abuses and excesses in Guelma, Relizane, and Alger-Centre. The union's chargé de communication has denounced the Ministry's actions, saying that they have strengthened administrative power at the expense of pedagogical activity.
The intersyndicale de l'éducation, which comprises Cela, Cnapeste, Satef, Snte, Snapest, and Unpef, has been in talks with the Ministry of Education to resolve their concerns. However, the Cnapeste has expressed frustration over the lack of serious dialogue and the Ministry's failure to address their demands. The union has called for a concerted effort to resolve the issues facing the education sector.
The Ministry of Education, led by Minister Nouria Benghabrit, has faced criticism from the unions over its handling of the sector. The Cnapeste and other unions have accused the Ministry of making unilateral decisions without consulting social partners. The situation remains tense, with the Cnapeste and other unions vowing to continue their protest movement.
The strike threat by Cnapeste and the ongoing protest movement by the intersyndicale de l'éducation have raised concerns about the impact on the education sector. The situation is being closely watched by stakeholders, who are hoping for a resolution to the crisis. The Cnapeste has stated that it will continue to push for its demands to be met, and the Ministry of Education will need to find a way to address the concerns of the unions.
Key points
- Cnapeste threatens strike over unaddressed concerns in Algerian education sector
- Algerian education sector faces new protest over Ministry's governance style
- Unions demand action from Ministry over abuses and excesses committed against teachers
