The procession gathered in front of the Nice train station on Thursday morning. Under the aegis of Unsa, the demonstrators crossed boulevard Gambetta, then the Promenade des Anglais before dispersing at the level of Jardin Albert 1er. The few hundred participants present, although enthusiastic, were not very vocal despite Unsa’s efforts. On this occasion, their members chanted, “To those who wish to undermine school stability. The school responds,” summarizing their demands for the day.
The discontent revolves around the government’s policy consisting of a series of measures. The latest, confirmed today by Gilles de Robien, concerns the elimination of 8,500 positions in national education, including 700 in the Nice Academy. “I refuse to pay 28,000 teachers who do not teach,” declared Gilles de Robien on France-Info. Following these attacks, the unions denounce the “smokescreen” launched by the Minister with the sole aim of saving costs. They fear class overcrowding and demand to be heard, if not by the government, at least by public opinion.
Regarding the debate on reading, they refute all accusations made against them. The teachers believe that the comprehensive method has long been abandoned and demand the right to choose the method that seems appropriate to them. “The law on Disability requires classroom accommodations,” explains Gilles Jean, secretary general of the SNU-ipp (the FSU for the primary sector) of Alpes-Maritimes. “But how can it be applied if the people hired for this task are not even trained? Today’s event aims to inform the public about what Gilles de Robien is trying to make them believe. It’s a warning signal; in the school year of 2007, there will not be enough teachers.” According to the unions, cutting jobs in education would lead to class overcrowding and jeopardize children’s success. “We are fighting against precariousness,” protests Joël Denneulin, departmental secretary of CGT education, “and the Minister is asking us to save money. But how much did the information brochure he sent us yesterday cost? Who spends too much in this situation?”
More Teachers Than Classes
Emeric Labitole, an advocate for the SNU-ipp, works in a primary school. At the Nice Academy, he noted a reduction of 20 teaching positions this year, while an entire generation is retiring. “We are advocating for having multiple teachers per class to work in small groups and diversify subjects.”
A few steps away, passersby are not lenient with the demonstrators. Not always informed, harsh words are exchanged about those responsible for the children’s future. Resigned, Yuval Malouchet, a merchant on the Promenade, does not understand the public service’s delay in France compared to its neighbors. “In Scandinavia, for example, they have the means to diversify classes and reduce the number of children,” he confides. “In France, the government refuses to advance. It’s a losing battle.”
The unions want to take a step towards the government to reopen dialogue. They demand additional resources to ensure replacements for retirees. They wish to implement a project of success for everyone. Paradoxically, this is also the message that Gilles de Robien keeps highlighting.
