The interview with representatives of the Syndicat National des Enseignements de Second degré (SNES-FSU) highlights how leadership close to teachers helps connect everyday workplace issues with the union’s democratic structures. Local leaders play a key role in ensuring that teachers remain actively involved in union life and decision-making.
By maintaining strong relationships in schools and workplaces, these leaders help translate teachers’ concerns into collective action and policy positions. The case study underlines that union renewal is inseparable from strengthening democracy within the organisation.
Developing leadership close to teachers is therefore seen as essential not only for building union power, but also for sustaining participation, legitimacy, and collective ownership of union priorities.
