No paradise for teachers

Thousands of teachers hit the streets in France over the weekend to protest against restrictions imposed on their right to strike. The online news portal Rue89 explains why France is no paradise for teachers: "Several hours after the demonstration, Nicolas Sarkozy had hard words for the teachers with regard to minimum service during strikes. The government's key argument is that this minimum service is becoming the norm in Europe. But until now, it has only been practised in the public service in half of all the EU states." Referring to a report by the Eurydice information network on education in Europe, Rue89 writes: "French teachers may work somewhat less than many of their colleagues in the EU, but they also earn less, have fewer career opportunities and poorer access to advanced training."

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