Tunisian Secondary Education Union Urges Teachers to Down Numbers

The Tunisian Secondary Education Union, affiliated with the Tunisian General Labor Union, has called on all teachers to down numbers as usual. In a statement released on November 7, 2026, the union expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the education sector, citing the Ministry's failure to provide necessary resources for educational institutions and its adoption of arbitrary decisions that affect public schools, teachers, and students.

The union criticized the Ministry's policies, which it claims are targeting labor unions and unionists, and restricting union rights through restrictions on union officials and intimidation. The union also denounced the Ministry's use of starvation and salary cuts as a means of silencing criticism, describing this as a breach of international agreements on labor rights and worker protection.

The union rejected the Ministry's insistence on eroding teachers' rights, which it considers non-negotiable. The union argued that the Ministry's failure to meet its obligations does not justify undermining these rights. Furthermore, the union opposed the Ministry's plan to engage inactive teachers to fill vacancies, describing it as a temporary solution that undermines the principle of equal opportunities for students.

The union also criticized the distribution of timetables for teachers nearing retirement or on long-term sick leave to their colleagues, and the allocation of additional hours to these teachers. The union believes this arrangement affects students' right to receive the allocated teaching hours for each subject. Additionally, the union rejected assigning teachers administrative and digital tasks, such as downloading numbers on the platform and recording student absences.

The union expressed its dissatisfaction with the Ministry's insistence on imposing the "Vie Scolaire" system, despite its flaws and disruptions in administrative and pedagogical management. The union believes that educational institutions have become testing grounds for incomplete systems. The union emphasized that the current situation in public schools affects the core right to education, equal opportunities, and the dignity of Tunisian students.

The union urged all teachers to continue downloading numbers as usual and to prepare for various protest actions to defend their rights and gains. The union's statement came amid growing tensions between the education sector and the Ministry. The situation remains uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight.

The developments in Tunisia's education sector have raised concerns about the impact on students, teachers, and the overall quality of education. The union's call to action highlights the need for a resolution to the ongoing disputes between the Ministry and the education sector.

Key points

• The Tunisian Secondary Education Union has urged teachers to down numbers amid escalating tensions with the Ministry.
• The union opposes the Ministry's policies, which it claims are targeting labor unions and undermining teachers' rights.
• The situation in Tunisia's education sector remains uncertain, with growing tensions between the Ministry and teachers.