Teachers across the French island of La Réunion are preparing for a week of action culminating in a strike on Tuesday, March 31st, protesting planned cuts to education funding and staffing. The inter-union coalition – FSU, UNSA, CFDT, CGT and SUD – is voicing strong opposition to a projected loss of 86 teaching positions for the 2026 school year, a move they say will inevitably lead to larger class sizes and diminished educational quality. This dispute highlights a broader national conversation about the prioritization of public education and the impact of budgetary constraints on schools.
The planned strike and accompanying demonstrations are a response to what unions describe as short-sighted government policies. Béchir Ben Hamouda, co-secretary of the FSU-SNUipp union, stated, “We are fighting for education, for teachers, and for the children to be able to learn in peace.” The core of the disagreement centers on the allocation of resources within the national education system, with unions arguing that cuts will disproportionately affect students and place an unsustainable burden on remaining educators. The situation in La Réunion is particularly acute, reflecting concerns about equitable access to quality education in overseas territories.
Impact of Staffing Cuts on La Réunion Schools
According to figures provided by the unions to Imaz Press, the planned cuts translate to a reduction of 22 positions in primary education (revised down from an initial announcement of 25) and 64 positions in secondary education (down from 65). This reduction in staff is already prompting concerns about overcrowded classrooms, particularly in middle schools where some classes reportedly exceed 30 students. The impact extends beyond simply increasing student-teacher ratios; unions argue that it will hinder the ability of teachers to provide individualized attention and support, especially for students with special needs.
The French Ministry of National Education, under Minister Édouard Geffray, has justified the cuts by citing a “vertiginous demographic decline” in student populations. According to data from the Ministry’s Directorate of Statistical Studies, student enrollment decreased by 1.7% between 2024 and 2025, representing a loss of 106,900 students nationwide. The Ministry detailed these figures in a January statement outlining preparations for the 2026 school year.
However, unions contend that this demographic shift should be viewed as an opportunity to *reduce* class sizes, rather than a justification for cuts. They argue that smaller classes would improve both the learning environment for students and the working conditions for teachers. France currently has one of the highest average class sizes in the European Union and OECD countries, with 22 students per class in primary and secondary education, compared to an average of 19 across member states, according to Service public.
Beyond Staffing: Demands for Salary Increases and Job Security
The inter-union coalition’s demands extend beyond simply preserving existing positions. They are also calling for a significant re-evaluation of teacher salaries and a reduction in precarious employment practices. A communiqué released by the FSU highlighted concerns about stagnating wages and the increasing precarity of teaching positions, contributing to teacher burnout.
Specifically, the unions are demanding a 20% increase in the value of the “point d’indice” (a base unit used to calculate public sector salaries), an 80-point increase across all pay scales, and the indexing of salaries to inflation. They also seek to address career stagnation and gender pay gaps, alongside a reduction in working hours to 32 hours per week without a loss of pay. These demands reflect a broader push for improved working conditions and greater financial security for educators.
Impact on Support Staff and School Maintenance
The impact of these cuts isn’t limited to teachers. The inter-union coalition also emphasizes the consequences for non-teaching staff, including custodians and classroom assistants (Atsem). They argue that class closures lead to changes in work schedules for maintenance staff, while increased class sizes place a heavier workload on Atsems. They point to ongoing reforms in colleges and high schools that are increasing the demands on support staff without adequate compensation or resources.
The unions are calling on the government to reconsider its “short-termist” choices and demanding a 2027 budget that prioritizes job creation and salary increases without preconditions. They argue that investing in education is an investment in the future, and that cuts will ultimately harm students and the broader community.
The upcoming strike on March 31st represents a critical moment in this ongoing dispute. The inter-union coalition is hoping to mobilize widespread support and pressure the government to address their concerns. The next key date will be the finalization of the 2027 budget, which will determine the future of education funding in La Réunion and across France. Further updates on the situation and potential negotiations can be found on the Ministry of National Education’s website.
What we have is a developing story. Readers seeking support related to stress or anxiety surrounding these changes are encouraged to reach out to mental health resources. A list of support services can be found at Service Public.
