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SEW, the teachers' union affiliated with the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), has attributed the labour shortage in the education sector to what they perceive as the government's neo-liberal policies.
During the trade union's traditional press conference held just before the start of the new school year, trade union representatives reflected on a decade of Democratic Party (DP) education policies in light of the upcoming elections. Their assessment, however, is far from positive.
SEW member Joëlle Damé pointed out that their critique does not centre on Minister Claude Meisch's inaction but rather on actions taken without careful consideration and well-defined objectives. She noted a conspicuous lack of dialogue with actors on the ground and asserted that the school system has become increasingly fragmented due to various recent measures.
The public European schools did not escape criticism either, as SEW officials argued that these institutions do not align with Luxembourg's educational landscape. They contended that some students are excluded, with primarily children from well-off backgrounds reaping the benefits.
SEW further expressed concerns about the complexity of the Luxembourgish school system, asserting that many parents find it increasingly bewildering. They cited the example of primary education, where parents are sometimes compelled to navigate between six distinct educational pathways.
Secondary education, with its diverse streams, poses an even greater challenge. SEW characterised this complexity as an "educational maze" that disproportionately disadvantages families with lower socio-economic status.
