The teacher is on strike: empty schoolyards throughout the Netherlands
With the exception of a few children and a lost parent, the squares of primary schools throughout the Netherlands were deserted this morning at the time when the school bell normally rings. Teachers had breakfast together from eight o'clock or did a job in the empty classrooms. The AOb estimates that more than 95 percent of primary schools participated in the short strike that started classes an hour later.
The doors of the Jenaplan primary school Wittevrouwen in Utrecht remained closed. It team*link was treated to cake, banners hung on the windows. In the staff room of De Overlaet primary school in Rosmalen, director Jolande Bastmeijer addressed the team at half past eight. "Let's use this hour to catch up with each other, otherwise there is no time for that."
On the stately red door of De Koekoek primary school in Utrecht hangs a sheet of paper: 'Due to work interruption, we open the doors at 9.20 am'. Inside it is quiet and empty at a quarter to nine. Anouk Vissers, group 1-2 teacher sits in her classroom only wrapping goodbye gifts for the toddlers. “I could also do something administrative, but this still had to be done,” she says.
On the playground of St. Joseph primary school in Leiden, father Sindi Sardar is the only parent among a few playing children. “When I came this morning I first thought I was late,” he says. “I didn't know about the promotions, we were busy with the Sugar Feast. But I think it's good that action is being taken for more salary. I understand that if a week has to be discontinued. Teachers work harder than other people. I find it difficult at home with three children. ”
At primary school De Koekoek in Utrecht, Robert Timmermans, master group 5/6, specially rescheduled his report meetings to be able to go to The Hague today. “We've been way too nice, this is the only way now,” he says. “You notice that it is alive, especially online. Enough is enough."
Too weak
Group 8 teacher Wilma van der Pas of the Overlaet in Rosmalen, this morning's prick campaign is not even going far enough. "I think it's too weak," she says. "It is high time to make it clear that it really cannot be done like this any longer." For her personally it is not primarily about more salary, teachers are overcharged, every time something new is added. And Van der Pas is annoyed that everything is always imposed from above.
For her significantly younger colleague Robin Jager, a teacher in group 7, salary is higher on the list of priorities. “I have friends who are also educated at a higher vocational level and when I see what they earn, there is a big difference.” He thinks it is unjustified that teachers in primary education earn a lot less than second-degree teachers in secondary education. "Other things are asked of you, but the workload is certainly not less."
To strike
The teachers think it is exciting what a new cabinet is coming up with. The reaction of outgoing VVD State Secretary Sander Dekker is not very optimistic for the time being. Strike after the summer if necessary? Colleagues Van der Pas and Jager agree wholeheartedly. "Yes absolutely."
Bob Nederpel, a teacher in group 6 at the Joseph School, also had breakfast with the team from eight o'clock. He calls the action "a good signal." “In the past, when there were shortages in secondary education, salaries there also went up.” According to director Monica Tolenaar, no one from the Josephschool goes to the Malieveld. "I don't think that suits this school."
Sympathie
At De Koekoek in Utrecht, parent Albert Aalbers takes his child to grade 3. “I have sympathy for the campaign. Protocols predominate to justify the work. They are all secondary tasks. ” Andy Palmen is also behind the action. “It is also allowed for longer than an hour. Primary education is important, it is the basis. I do not understand that cuts are being made on that. Moreover, the image of teachers has plummeted. ”
At 9.15 am the children are eagerly awaiting the red door. They want to go in. The teachers walk around the square with a cup of coffee and talk to parents. When the door opens, the children flock in. A father raises his fist at the teacher. "Together we are strong."
