Algerian primary school teachers observed their third day of strike on Wednesday, as part of a weekly three-day work stoppage that has been ongoing for eight consecutive weeks. The strike is led by the Coordination des enseignants du primaire, who are demanding better working conditions, benefits, and a modification of their status. The teachers expressed their determination to continue the strike until their demands are met.
The teachers' demands include a reclassification of their status to match that of their colleagues in middle and high schools, a reduction in their working hours, and the immediate implementation of a 2014 presidential decree. They also want the creation of new teacher grades for scientific, literary, and physical education subjects. Additionally, they are calling for a review of the school curriculum to reduce the weight of students' backpacks and a revision of the school calendar.
The strike has raised concerns among parents, who fear that it may negatively impact the academic year. "If this strike continues, it will have a negative impact on the academic year, and the students will be the only ones to suffer," said one parent. The strike is ongoing, with no resolution in sight. The teachers have threatened to boycott the first-quarter exams, scheduled to take place on December 1.
The Coordination des enseignants du primaire has expressed frustration with the Ministry of National Education, which they say has not taken their demands seriously. "The ministry's silence is pushing the situation towards a worsening of the crisis," said the teachers. They have reiterated that they will not back down until their demands are met.
The strike has been ongoing for over a month, with the teachers submitting a list of demands that include improved working conditions, better benefits, and changes to the education system. The teachers are seeking a reclassification of their status, which they believe will improve their working conditions and benefits.
Some of the teachers' demands include the restitution of the right to early retirement, regularization of the situation of teachers trained after June 3, 2012, and the creation of new teacher grades. The teachers believe that these changes will improve their working conditions and benefits.
The situation remains tense, with no resolution in sight. The teachers have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met, while the parents are growing increasingly concerned about the impact on the academic year.
Key points
- Algerian primary school teachers have been on strike for over a month, demanding better working conditions and benefits.
- The strike has raised concerns among parents, who fear that it may negatively impact the academic year.
- The teachers have threatened to boycott the first-quarter exams, scheduled to take place on December 1.
