Primary and preschools in Ille-et-Vilaine are called to a day of strike action this Tuesday, January 27, at the initiative of several national education unions, local government employee organizations, and the FCPE (Parents' Federation). A demonstration is planned in front of the Rennes regional education authority to denounce the ongoing deterioration of teaching conditions.
Staff members are particularly concerned about the critical shortage of teaching assistants for students with disabilities (AESH), which complicates the support of children with special needs. According to unions, teachers are finding themselves managing highly stressful situations without adequate resources, with direct repercussions on the school climate and the psychological well-being of both staff and students.
Job cuts that reignite anger
The movement was reignited by the announcement of the elimination of 97 teaching positions in the Rennes academy for the upcoming school year. This decision was perceived as illogical, given that the declining birth rate could have, according to the unions, allowed for smaller class sizes and improved working conditions. Many teachers are now speaking of a loss of meaning in their profession and widespread burnout.
In practical terms, several schools will be closed, notably in Rennes and Saint-Malo, with disruptions expected in school cafeterias and after-school programs. Local authorities are implementing limited childcare solutions, while organizations are hoping for strong mobilization to alert the administration to what they describe as an untenable situation.
