The Algerian education sector is bracing for a two-day strike starting tomorrow, as negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the Intersyndicale, a coalition of six unions, have failed to yield an agreement. The strike, announced earlier, has been confirmed by the Intersyndicale, which represents a significant portion of the sector's workforce. This development suggests that the crisis in the education sector is far from over.
The Intersyndicale, comprising six major unions - Cela, Cnapeste, Satef, Snte, Snapest, and Unpef - had sought to address several key issues, including the implementation of decree 14-266 with retroactive effect, improvement of purchasing power, performance bonuses, and retirement benefits. However, the minister of education was unable to secure an agreement, leading to the strike. The unions expressed disappointment with the outcome of the bilateral meetings, stating that the minister's responses did not meet their expectations.
According to Sadek Dziri, president of the Unpef union, the minister's responses during the negotiations were similar to those provided in January, when a previous strike occurred. Dziri expressed frustration that the minister claimed certain issues, such as those related to finance and public function, were outside her purview. This has led to accusations that the ministry is not genuinely interested in resolving the sector's problems.
Meziane Meriane, president of the Snapest union, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that if the ministry were truly committed to finding a solution, it would have involved representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the General Directorate of Public Function in the negotiations. Meriane accused the ministry of attempting to deceive the public by engaging in what he described as superficial talks.
The unions have expressed concerns about the ministry's strategy for managing the strike, particularly the plan to group students into common classes. Zoubir Rouina, communications officer for the CELA union, described this approach as "anti-pedagogical," implying that it could negatively impact the learning environment.
The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges facing Algeria's education sector, where issues of resources, infrastructure, and teacher satisfaction have long been contentious. With the strike set to proceed, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and what impact it will have on students and the broader education system.
As the strike approaches, all parties involved are preparing for the consequences. The Intersyndicale has reaffirmed its commitment to the strike, while the ministry has yet to announce further measures to mitigate the effects of the action. The situation underscores the need for constructive dialogue and effective solutions to address the deep-seated issues within Algeria's education sector.
Key points
- Algerian education sector unions confirm two-day strike after failed talks with ministry.
- Unions demand implementation of decree 14-266, improved purchasing power, and better benefits.
- Ministry's strategy for managing strike criticized by unions as inadequate.
