Teachers in Berlin stage a three-day walkout amidst the test period
Berlin Teachers Initiate Three-Day Strike Amid Exam Period
Taking a firm stance amidst the exam season, thousands of teachers, educators, and social workers in Berlin schools commenced a three-day warning strike, instigated by the GEW education union. The primary focus of their demonstration: smaller class sizes and the long-overdue collective agreement on health protection.
The Berlin Senate, however, has so far refrained from negotiations, citing its obligations under the nationwide wage agreement between Germany's states. This unyielding stance has not deterred the GEW, who assert that the ongoing workload is untenable. "The workload is too high," articulated GEW state chair Goekhan Akguen.
Given the occupation of civil servants, who make up the majority of teachers, strikes are generally prohibited. Nevertheless, the strike still impacts a sensitive region: exams. This week includes French Abitur tests and the mathematics component of the MSA (intermediate school-leaving exams).
The timing of the strike has drawn criticism, not only from Berlin's education senator Katharina Guenther-Wuensche (CDU), who termed it "irresponsible," but also from students. The city's student council backed the union's core demands but expressed concern over the lack of consideration for students during critical exam periods. "We'd like to see more awareness for students," stated chair Orcun Ilter.
The GEW defended its decision, clarifying that each school with exams would be affected only on one day. Concerned parents have voiced support for the union's aims but have suggested alternative protest methods that families could participate in, such as weekend protests.
In the interim, the city's education ministry has ensured that all exams will proceed as planned, albeit with potential disruptions to regular classes.
- The GEW education union, currently engaged in a three-day strike in Berlin schools, has expressed concerns not only about education and self-development within the classroom but also about politics, as they seek a collective agreement on health protection and smaller class sizes.
- Amidst the general news coverage of the Berlin teachers' strike and its impact on exam periods, the city's student council, while supporting the union's core demands, has called for greater awareness towards students during critical exam periods, showing that the issues at hand extend beyond the realm of education and self-development to include the broader interests of students in politics.
