Teachers' unions slam Belgian minister's heatwave circular

Belgian teachers' unions are sharply criticizing a circular issued by Minister Valérie Glatigny regarding school organization during exceptional circumstances, particularly heatwaves. With the country under a yellow heat warning, unions like CSC Enseignement Bruxelles and CGSP Enseignement Bruxelles argue the directive "aims to keep students and teachers in class at all costs, even in inhumane temperatures."

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aims to keep students and teachers in class at all costs, even in inhumane temperatures

The circular, number 9730, details how to manage school life during extreme weather. For heatwaves, it aligns measures with the Royal Meteorological Institute's (IRM) alert levels. Under a yellow code, recommendations include grouping students in cooler rooms, increasing hydration, and avoiding direct sun. As temperatures rise to orange (35°C and above) and red (40°C and above), the circular suggests shortening afternoon schedules, avoiding the hottest areas, and suspending non-essential activities.

However, the unions express concern that school administrators might "erroneously hide behind the circular to force the continuation of classes at all costs." They emphasize that this should not happen "to the detriment of the health of workers and students." The unions point out that the circular considers 30°C in a classroom as a "green level" and outlines procedures for temperatures reaching 40°C.

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We fear that employers will erroneously hide behind the circular to force the continuation of classes at all costs

"It is already unacceptable for a government to consider that classes or evaluations could take place under such temperatures," the unions stated. They warn that strictly applying the circular could put organizers, directors, and teachers at significant risk of liability in cases of heatstroke or dehydration among students.

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This circular considers that 30° in class is still 'a green level' (...) It also indicates how to act when the temperature in class is 40°.

The unions also highlighted the poor condition of many school buildings, describing them as "energy sieves" and playgrounds as "heat islands." They argue that legal standards must be upheld, especially in Brussels schools ill-equipped to handle high temperatures, citing the labor well-being code which addresses such conditions.

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It is already unacceptable for a government to consider that classes or evaluations could take place under such temperatures but moreover, applying this circular to the letter will especially be very risky for the responsibility of the Organizing Authorities, Directors and teachers