Schools across Liège and Verviers have been impacted by a wave of strikes that began on May 11. These protests, characterized by work stoppages and picket lines, are organized by unions and are expected to continue until May 27, the date scheduled for the vote on the second program decree. Teachers have linked these actions to concerns over budgetary measures they argue threaten the quality of education and student learning. Students have also expressed concern regarding the impact of these disruptions.
Did You Know? Under current regulations, there is no automatic suspension of classes even if temperatures in a classroom reach 40°C or higher.
Official Guidance on School Operations
Amidst the ongoing labor disputes, Minister of Education Valérie Glatigny has addressed concerns regarding potential school closures linked to an upcoming rise in temperatures. With forecasts predicting peaks of up to 31°C starting next Tuesday, the Minister emphasized the need for concrete guidelines to prevent improvisation in school management.
The Ministry of Education clarified that weather-related events, such as heatwaves or air pollution spikes, do not constitute a “case of force majeure” under the Code of Education. Such events are generally considered manageable through internal adaptations, such as reorganizing daily schedules, adjusting premises, ensuring hydration, and limiting physical exertion.
Expert Insight: The intersection of labor unrest and environmental challenges presents a complex administrative dilemma. By emphasizing “discernment” and “proportionality,” the Ministry is shifting the burden of operational safety onto individual school directions, balancing the requirement for educational continuity against the immediate physical well-being of the school community.
Managing Absences and Continuity
The Ministry has stated that schools must prioritize the protection of both students and educational staff while maintaining the continuity of learning. While there is no requirement to “make up” time lost during potential suspensions, schools are encouraged to ensure that learning objectives are met by the end of the school year.
Regarding student attendance, the Ministry noted that because compulsory schooling applies to students aged 5 to 17, all absences must be justified. However, absences caused by circumstances beyond a student’s control—such as strike actions—should not be automatically classified as unjustified or mechanically counted toward absence totals. For students up to the 6th year of primary school, an accueil must be provided even in the absence of a teacher.
What May Happen Next
As the May 27 deadline for the budget vote approaches, the tension between labor unions and the government may continue to manifest in further school disruptions. If heat levels reach the predicted peaks, school administrators will likely face the challenge of implementing recommended adaptations like ventilation and activity limitations to avoid the need for full class suspensions. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for ongoing localized actions until the legislative process concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are schools required to close during a heatwave?
No, there is no automatic suspension of classes based on temperature thresholds. Schools are advised to use discernment and implement internal adaptations to manage the heat.
How should schools handle student absences during the current strikes?
Absences resulting from circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as strikes, should not be automatically labeled as unjustified or counted toward mechanical absence calculations.
What is the status of the ongoing labor movement?
Strikes have been ongoing since May 11 and are currently scheduled to last until May 27, which coincides with the vote on the second program decree.
How do you believe schools can best balance the need for academic continuity with the safety of students during periods of extreme weather or industrial action?
