Belgian teachers threaten strikes and chaos ahead of school year over reforms

Belgium's upcoming school year is facing significant disruption as teachers' unions signal strong opposition to planned reforms and express concerns over increased workloads. Unions are warning of a chaotic start to the academic term, with potential protests and strikes looming.

Roland Lahaye, secretary general of CSC-Enseignement, stated that teachers are not returning to optimal conditions and that the essential trust needed for schools to function well is absent. He anticipates that the start of the school year will not be serene, predicting "chaotic" actions even before the school gates open. Unions are awaiting a substantial response from Education Minister Valérie Glatigny and Minister-President Elisabeth Degryse to de-escalate the situation.

Luc Toussaint, president of CGSP Enseignement, announced a day of action and strike on August 24, the first day of mandatory schooling, and another on September 14 for higher education. He indicated that spontaneous actions would occur, starting with awareness campaigns and escalating quickly in September if the government does not respond. Toussaint expressed that the situation promises a start to the school year marked by "anger, resentment, and a sense of denial of democracy."

CSC-Enseignement also plans to intensify actions, even without the immediate support of parents and students, emphasizing that teachers have demonstrated imagination in expressing their grievances without disrupting student schooling. Lahaye noted that while some teachers support the reforms, the majority oppose them, and he prioritizes hearing the dissenting voices. The unions believe the ministers hold the key to salvaging the start of the school year, warning that it will be disorganized regardless of their actions.