ETUCE stands in solidarity with French teachers striking against austerity
Published:
On 18 September, teachers and education personnel across France will take national strike action. They denounce the deepening teacher shortage, the deterioration of working conditions, and the lack of support for inclusive schools.
The strike is part of a nationwide mobilisation against the government’s proposed 2026 budget, which plans €43.8 billion in cuts. Teachers and other workers reject these austerity measures, which threaten public services and weaken the education system. The action follows the “Bloquons tout” protests of 10 September, where 200,000 people demonstrated against austerity, and comes amid warnings that one in three primary school teachers will join the strike.
A European challenge
Austerity is not unique to France. Across Europe, governments shift the cost of crises onto public services. Teachers face unsafe schools, overcrowded classrooms, stagnant salaries, and crushing workloads. These cuts drive professionals out of the sector, fuel recruitment and retention crises, and endanger the right to quality education. Investment in education is not a burden but a necessity for democracy, equity, and social cohesion.
ETUCE solidarity
ETUCE expresses full solidarity with its French member organisations:
- FERC-CGT
- SGEN-CFDT
- FEP-CFDT
- FNEC.FP-FO
- SNESUP-FSU
- SNETAA-FO
- SNCS-FSU
- SNES-FSU
- FSU-SNUipp
- UNSA Éducation
Their fight is our fight.
Our call
ETUCE and its members reject austerity. We call on governments across Europe to reverse cuts, invest in education, and value teachers. Only by respecting and empowering the profession can societies ensure strong, inclusive, and democratic education systems.