Education ministry begin suspending teachers due to extended strikes

In response to the prolonged strikes by educators, spanning over 11 weeks, regional education directorates have issued suspension orders against striking teachers. 

The teachers discussed the suspension orders issued to certain striking colleagues and noticed that the orders do not include a specified date. 

Some of the teachers said that these orders are designed to intimidate them, compelling them to return to work.

The strikes have come as a collective response to the implementation of the fundamental system within the education sector.

The accusations against striking teachers include allegations of repeated and unauthorized absences, and disrupting the students’ right to a consistent and quality education. 

Teachers are purported to have deviated from the established values and ethics integral to their profession, resulting in a breach of the core professional commitments associated with the education sector.

According to the suspension orders accessed by Hespress En, the ministry considers the actions of the suspended educators as severe infractions, impacting the smooth functioning of the education system.

To enforce these measures, the ministry is invoking Article 73 of the General Fundamental System of Public Service. 

Per this article, monthly salaries will be withheld during the suspension period, with the exception of family allowances . 

Article 73, referenced in the suspension orders, empowers the relevant authorities to take immediate action in the event of a serious offense committed by an employee. 

Such offenses may include breaches of professional duties or severe violations of public rights.

The final adjudication of the teachers’ cases will be conducted by disciplinary boards, which are slated to convene at a later date.

The ministry’s decision to issue suspension orders coincides with the ongoing strikes and protests. On Thursday, Rabat witnessed a significant demonstration organized by more than 20 coordinations. This recent development underscores the determination of teachers, signaling their unwillingness to relent. 

Despite recent agreements between unions and the government, there has been little success in convincing the teaching profession to return to regular activities as the school year progresses.

Complicating the situation is the coordinations’  firm assertion that unions do not represent them. 

This stance renders the agreements made with the government ineffective, as the coordinations continue to sustain the strikes, prolonging the ongoing challenge.