Algerian primary school teachers have extended their strike for a third day, marking the eighth consecutive week of protests. The majority of primary schools were paralyzed as teachers heeded the call of the primary school teachers' coordination. The strike comes after failed negotiations with the education ministry. The teachers are demanding changes to their working conditions and classification.
The striking teachers gathered outside the education ministry's annex in Algiers, chanting slogans and carrying placards with their demands. The demands include a revised pedagogical program, revision of the teacher classification system, and equal classification with secondary school teachers. The teachers also want a reduction in their working hours and the implementation of a 2014 presidential decree.
The 2014 presidential decree, which the teachers want implemented with retroactive effect, relates to the teachers' classification and working conditions. The decree also provides for the recruitment of supervisors to oversee students in school courtyards and canteens, allowing teachers to focus on their pedagogical tasks. The teachers are also demanding the creation of new teacher grades for scientific, literary, and physical education subjects.
The strike has left students as the main losers, with many schools affected by the protests. The teachers' coordination has threatened to boycott the first trimester exams if their demands are not met. The situation risks becoming protracted if a solution is not found soon. The strike has been ongoing for eight weeks, with no end in sight.
The teachers' demands also include a revision of school programs to reduce the weight of students' backpacks and a review of school vacation and reopening schedules for southern regions. The protests are a sign of the deep-seated grievances among primary school teachers, who feel overworked and undervalued. The government has not made any statements on the negotiations.
The strike has caused concern among parents and students, who are worried about the impact on their education. The teachers' union has vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met. The situation is becoming increasingly tense, with no resolution in sight. The strike has disrupted the academic calendar, with many schools affected.
The strike by Algerian primary school teachers has entered its eighth week, with no signs of a resolution. The teachers are determined to press on with their demands, which they believe are essential to improving their working conditions and the quality of education. The government needs to engage with the teachers to find a solution to the crisis.
Key points
- Algerian primary school teachers have been on strike for eight consecutive weeks, paralyzing the majority of primary schools.
- The teachers are demanding changes to their working conditions, classification, and a reduction in their working hours.
- The strike has left students as the main losers, with many schools affected and the academic calendar disrupted.
