We must fight together. We will win together.
In front of the Pantheon, a few minutes before the departure of the Parisian procession, Tuesday November 10, the demonstrators heated up their voices with slogans advocating the “convergence of struggles”. Two months after the start of the high school mobilization, certain teachers do not hesitate to join the movement inspired by their students.
It is also an inter-union group bringing together high school organizations and teachers' unions which is behind this gathering. “Now is the time to amplify the mobilization by continuing to put pressure on the government!” write the organizations in a press release, calling for strikes and demonstrations throughout France. Among National Education staff, the ministry recorded 1.55% of strikers at midday.
Their demands are ours
In the rain, at the head of the Parisian procession, an imposing banner is displayed: “The Jacques-Brel high school is rebelling.” In this establishment in La Courneuve (Seine-Saint-Denis) mobilized since September 23, around fifteen teachers, out of a staff of 80, made the trip to support the students.
Aurélien Gavois, literature teacher at this high school, describes the mobilization of students as “exemplary”. “They demonstrate great political maturity even though we despise them all day long, saying that this is a generation that spends its time on the telephone,” he congratulates, FSU union vest on his back.
“They are young people who are aware of everything that is happening in society and who want to fight for their future and for the future of all of society.”
Aurélien Gavois, literature professor
at franceinfo
His colleague didn't hesitate to make the trip to Paris either. “Their demands are completely legitimate and they have been ours for years,” says Anne-Claude Chaminas. Just like high school students, teachers are asking for an investment plan for school buildings, the recruitment of educational staff or even the creation of places in higher education.
Another demand put forward by teachers: an increase in salaries. “We heard a lot of high school unions or even banners during the demonstrations talking about our salaries,” congratulates the professor. The index point, on which the salary of public sector agents is calculated, has not changed since 2023. This automatically leads to a loss of purchasing power for agents in all categories combined.
“When we see the price of living, rising rents, we cannot live with such remuneration even though our level of education is high.”
Anne-Claude Chaminas, professor of history and geography
at franceinfo
By participating in the demonstration, she also wishes to "denounce the repression", revealing "an authoritarian drift of the State". In their high school, several placements of students in police custody during the blockades were criticized by parents and teachers. “At high school, there are a certain number of teachers who go out to the blockades, not to encourage them, but to serve as a shield against the police forces,” says Anne-Claude Chaminas.
Their presence warms our hearts
“Madam, you are here!” exclaims Léon, who has just taken his place under the large banner. For him, demonstrating alongside teachers makes the movement more credible. “Their presence warms our hearts,” he smiles. His comrade, Kaïs, adds:
“It feels good not to be seen as idiots who are protesting, when a lot of people are saying in the media that we are being used and that we are not thinking for ourselves.”
Kaïs, high school student in La Courneuve
at franceinfo
The two students from Jacques-Brel high school made the decision to join the demonstration, reassured by the presence of their teachers. “As they have more experience, they can help us to show us what we should do and avoid being gassed or killed,” says Kaïs.
A few dozen meters further on, around fifteen teachers are pounding the pavement towards the Place d'Italie, brandishing a sign: "Maurice-Ravel is fed up!" Mathieu, SES teacher in this Parisian establishment, observed his students take initiatives to organize the mobilization.
“Frankly, I am amazed by the tenacity of the students, their intelligence, their organizational skills…”
Mathieu, SES teacher in Paris
at franceinfo
The teacher also saw some of his students gain in maturity thanks to the movement: "I saw students who are rather shy respond to journalist interviews. I was impressed!"
