Brussels – Teachers at the European Schools in Brussels are set to stage a half-day strike on Wednesday, demanding union representation and equal rights for locally recruited staff, who currently face job instability and unfair contracts.
The demonstration follows a successful two-hour strike on 20 February, with teachers intensifying their actions to pressure the European Commission, the Secretary-General of the European Schools, and the Board of Governors to acknowledge their concerns.
Protesters will gather on Boulevard Charlemagne near Schuman at 9:30 AM before marching towards the schools in the hopes of being addressed by the Secretary-General.
“We hope he will come out and talk to a delegation,” said Tom Holvoet, union secretary of the Christian trade union ACV Puls, in a statement to The Brussels Times.
“Our key demand remains the same: the right to establish a union delegation. This would be a crucial first step in allowing teachers to organise, advocate for better conditions, and address issues collectively.”
Escalating Protest Amid Stagnant Talks
The February strike saw over 250 participants, with Holvoet estimating around 150 people for Wednesday’s action. However, he remains optimistic that turnout could exceed expectations, possibly reaching 300.
While some school administrators and teachers believe that resorting to strikes may not be the most effective approach, Holvoet maintains that previous efforts to negotiate through meetings and discussions have yielded no tangible progress.
“The European Schools system is polite and friendly, but there is never any real change,” he said. “That’s exactly why we need trade union delegations – to push for necessary reforms. Holding another meeting with the same people on the same issues will not result in any breakthroughs unless a fundamental shift occurs.”
Unequal Treatment of Teachers
A major grievance among teachers is the disparity between seconded teachers (détachés) sent by EU Member States and locally recruited teachers (LRTs).
Despite performing the same duties, LRTs lack job security, fair salary structures, and career progression opportunities. Many face contract reductions, sudden job losses, and unpredictable working hours.
“This situation highlights the core issue,” Holvoet explained. “Without a union delegation, locally recruited teachers have no structured way to advocate for fair working conditions.”
The absence of union representation has exacerbated teachers’ frustrations, with many feeling that the lack of formal bargaining power leaves them vulnerable to administrative decisions that directly impact their livelihoods.
Impact on Parents and Students
The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions for students and parents, with many families likely to struggle with childcare arrangements. Holvoet acknowledged the inconvenience but insisted that striking was necessary to effect real change.
“It’s unfortunate that parents and pupils are impacted,” he said. “However, teachers must take this step to push for their rights and secure fair treatment in their schools.”
With momentum growing and union support strengthening, European School teachers in Brussels appear determined to continue their fight for equality, stability, and the right to be heard.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
