The unions mainly point to the consequences of the increased retirement age. “Because we have to work until 67, teachers can no longer save their sick days. This used to be possible,” says Michel Vanhalme of ACV Education. “From the age of 63, you can still be ill for one year. After that, your days are up and you may even be forced to retire. That is socially irresponsible.” He emphasizes that the profession is already tough enough: “Teachers do not earn much. Many work at multiple schools and have to pay their own travel expenses. For them, the pension is a deferred wage.”
In secondary education, most classes will continue as normal tomorrow, especially because the exams are approaching. “Some teachers symbolically struck for one hour to make their voices heard,” says Vanhalme. “But they don’t abandon the students.”