Massive Public Sector Strike Highlights Crisis in French Education System

Teachers and public workers protest deteriorating conditions and proposed austerity measures following the collapse of the Barnier government.

Over 246,000 public sector workers, including nearly one-third of teachers, participated in a nationwide strike to protest poor working conditions and proposed budget cuts.
In Seine-Saint-Denis, up to 78% of primary school teachers joined the strike, with over 300 schools completely closed, reflecting heightened tensions in underfunded areas.
Key grievances include the proposed introduction of three unpaid sick days, reduced sick leave compensation, and the elimination of 4,000 education jobs, measures now uncertain due to the government's collapse.
Union leaders emphasized the urgency of addressing teacher shortages, unsafe school infrastructure, and stagnant wages, calling for a comprehensive emergency plan for education reform.
The protests, organized by a wide coalition of unions, aim to pressure the incoming government to prioritize public sector funding and social welfare in upcoming budget negotiations.