Government engages in talks with striking bodies amid ongoing teacher protests

The Ministry of National Education has finally entered into dialogue on Thursday with representatives from the striking educational bodies, including the National Union of Education (FNE) and the National Coordination of the Education Sector. 

The talks come after the failure of the December 10th agreement to resolve the prolonged and ongoing strikes by teachers. 

The meeting was attended by Faouzi Lekjaa, the Minister of Budget, Chakib Benmoussa, the Minister of National Education, and Younes Sekkouri, the Minister of Economic Integration, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, and lasted over 6 hours.

One union representative who attended the meeting told Hespress En that the meeting revolved around the teachers’ primary demands during the session. These include the withdrawal of the fundamental system, the integration of contract teachers into the public service with a proposed salary increase of 3000 dirhams, and the implementation of key agreements reached previously (agreements of April 19, 2011, April 26, 2011, and January 18, 2022.) 

Additional demands put forth encompassed the return of deducted amounts from striking teachers, the resolution of other pending issues, compensation for teachers working in remote areas, and establishing compensation for professional hazards and work in difficult areas. 

The government committee has requested a consultation period, with a response expected in a second meeting scheduled for today at 3 pm. 

In response, the union has also requested a 24-hour deadline for consultation, and discussions are scheduled to continue today. 

Notably, the government called for the urgent return of striking teachers to classrooms. 

Despite the government’s recent decision to increase the amount by MAD1500 for education professionals, the union and coordinations called for the continuation of the strike. 

The Ministry is set to present its proposal during a meeting with union representatives. However, as of now, the strike is ongoing, with no justification for suspension, according to the striking bodies.  

On his part, Benmoussa said that the meeting provided a crucial opportunity to understand the expectations of the teachers represented by striking bodies. The committee signaled its readiness to discuss all topics provided teaching resumes to ensure a smooth school year for students. 

It’s worth noting that the committee met with four additional unions on Thursday to discuss the concerns raised in their memorandum. The unions include the National Union of Education (UMT), the National Education Union (CDT), the Free Union of Education (UGTM), and the National Education Union (FDT). 

During the discussions, it was clarified that the responsibilities of teaching staff have been streamlined to focus on teaching, assessment, and examinations. Support staff, on the other hand, have been relieved of administrative duties. 

The roles of guidance staff are currently being reviewed, and further details regarding the responsibilities of other groups will be discussed in future meetings.