France: classroom assistants strike for better conditions

The assistants (AVSs) mostly work supporting disabled students. Of the 21 AVSs present at the first organisational meeting, only 6 worked full time, most of the other being on 3/4 part time contracts. Some had seen their hours and consequently salary reduced without their consent, while others had had their hours increased with no increase in pay (in one case hours were increased from 24 to 30 hours per week.)

Although AVSs were working in up to four schools and travelling up to 130km a day they received no travel allowances and were not always paid for lunch breaks. Workers with the status AVSi (personal integration) received 20 hours of training, those with AVSco (collective integration) received none. In other departments AVSs are given 100 hours training and the opportunity to work towards formal qualifications. In addition workers on EVS contracts with lower conditions are being used to replace AVS workers.

Some of the AVSs present at the initial meeting had 6 years experience but received no seniority bonuses, furthermore AVSs are only paid for contact time, not for the necessary coordination time with teaching staff, job training nor other essential tasks.

The AVS collective, formed with the support of the SUD union, has made the following demands:

Professionalisation: formalised initial and ongoing training and recognition of the job as a profession.
Permanent jobs for those currently employed.
Reimbursement for travel expenses, payment for all hours worked and stable hours from year to year.
Recognition of their experience.
Proper integration of AVSs into the education system.