Thousands protest education policy
Teachers march through Paris against proposed lycée reforms and job losses.
THOUSANDS of teachers have marched through Paris in protest at government plans to reform lycées.
While unions claim 80,000 took part, the police put the figure at 32,000.
Protestors came from across France, after unions called for the march several weeks ago.
The government’s latest round of education reforms, following those of primary schools, will focus on lycées. The new laws will be debated in November.
The head of the FSU union federation Gérard Aschieri said he was pleased with the turnout which was “above expectations”.
Unions believe 13,500 jobs will be lost in 2009 if the reforms are past.
Teachers carried banners such as “360 billion for the banker – six times the education budget”.
“The aim of this reform is to pinch-pennies and cut working hours,” said maths teacher Philippe Sauzede from Lyon.
Among those taking part were teachers for special needs pupils (the Rased group) who claim they will lose 3,000 positions.
Protestors were joined by Socialist politicians Martine Aubry, Jack Lang, Benoît Hamon, François Hollande and Bertrand Delanoë.
Following the protests Education Minister Xavier Darcos said that his plans would see the school week increase to 30 hours and denied that subjects such as maths and history would be optional.
Union leaders will meet on Wednesday to decide on their next course of action.
Photo:Education protests earlier this year/Afp Frank Perry
