A national strike and rally were organized by the Coordination nationale des enseignants du primaire in Algeria on Wednesday. Dozens of teachers gathered in front of the Ministry of National Education's annex in Algiers to express their demands. The protesters chanted slogans against the ministry, including "ministère sans décision" and "we are not afraid of salary deductions, as we are already in poverty." This latest action follows a statement by the Ministry of National Education, warning against strike calls on social media without respecting the laws of the Republic.
The Ministry of National Education, led by Mohamed Ouadjaout, had declared on Saturday that it was ready for serious dialogue, but warned against "calls to strike launched on social media without respecting the laws of the Republic." The ministry stated that these calls to protest do not follow any legal framework and are not registered within the framework of respecting the regulations in force. In response, the protesting teachers expressed their determination to continue their protest until their demands are met.
The teachers' union demands include the revision of pedagogical programs, calendars for vacations and the start of the school year in southern regions, and the modification of the special status to reclassify primary school teachers at the same base grade as secondary and middle school teachers. They also call for a reduction in working hours and the immediate application of the presidential decree n°266/14, with retroactive effect from its publication in 2014.
The protesting teachers also demand the recruitment of supervisors to ensure student supervision in schoolyards and canteens, allowing teachers to focus on their pedagogical tasks. Additionally, they call for the creation of new teacher grades for scientific, literary, and physical education subjects. The union has threatened to go on an unlimited strike and boycott the second trimester exams if their demands are not met.
According to the teachers, the Ministry of National Education is not taking their concerns seriously and instead makes accusations. One teacher stated that the ministry's communiqué aims to downplay the strength of their protest movement, which is focused not only on teachers' rights but also on improving the Algerian school system.
The protesting teachers believe that the Ministry of National Education should focus on finding solutions to their concerns rather than making accusations. They emphasize that their movement is not just about their own rights but also about improving the overall quality of education in Algeria.
The situation remains tense, with the teachers' union determined to continue its protest and the Ministry of National Education maintaining its stance. It remains to be seen whether the two parties will engage in meaningful dialogue to address the teachers' concerns and find a resolution to the crisis.
Key points
- Algerian primary school teachers are demanding improved working conditions, reforms, and better pay.
- The Ministry of National Education has warned against strike calls on social media without respecting the laws of the Republic.
- The teachers' union has threatened to go on an unlimited strike and boycott the second trimester exams if their demands are not met.
