Paris: After-school activity leaders called to strike again until June 16

After-school program staff in Paris are called to a new mobilization from June 8th to 16th to denounce working conditions in the capital's schools. The sector's inter-union group is demanding, in particular, the creation of new positions to address what it considers a chronic staff shortage, as well as guarantees regarding support for staff facing disciplinary proceedings.

This new wave of social unrest comes a few weeks after the first mobilization organized in May. According to the unions, several hundred establishments were disrupted at that time and nearly 2,000 employees participated in a demonstration in the streets of Paris.

School cafeterias and extracurricular activities disrupted

The movement is expected to primarily affect the lunch break between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Some canteens may therefore be forced to close or operate at a reduced capacity depending on the level of participation in the strike.

The unions believe that current staffing levels are no longer sufficient to properly supervise children. They criticize the significant reliance on existing staff in the field, arguing that this does not provide a sustainable solution to the sector's needs.

Discussions have begun with the town hall

The mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, met with union representatives in recent days. The city council is referring in particular to the work of the citizens' convention on children's time, the conclusions of which are expected at the end of June.

This review aims in particular to revise the organization of after-school activities and to strengthen children's safety. Among the solutions being considered is the desire to prevent an activity leader from being left alone with a child while performing their duties.

A climate of tension following several cases

The unions also denounce what they consider a particularly tense atmosphere since the implementation of the municipal plan to combat sexual violence in after-school programs. They believe that some staff members are being suspended without sufficient support, even in situations that do not constitute criminal offenses.

Since the beginning of 2026, several dozen municipal employees have been suspended as part of proceedings related to suspected violence or inappropriate behavior. The municipality maintains that it intends to strengthen the protection of children while continuing the dialogue with staff representatives.

A demonstration is planned in front of the Paris Council.

The inter-union group is calling on employees to demonstrate on June 16, at the opening of the Paris City Council meeting, in order to maintain pressure on the municipal government. The unions hope to obtain concrete commitments before the presentation of the revised budget scheduled for July.

For staff representatives, the issue goes beyond just the question of staffing levels. They believe that the attractiveness of the profession, working conditions, and the quality of care provided to children in Parisian schools are now directly affected by the decisions that will be made in the coming weeks.