September 29th strike: secondary school teachers do not need to declare their intention to strike in advance
For the strike on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, middle and high school teachers do not need to notify their school in advance if they intend to stop work. The 48-hour prior notice period applies to teaching staff in preschools and elementary schools, as part of the childcare arrangements for primary school students.
A declaration required in schools
The 48-hour rule is linked to the childcare service provided for preschool and elementary school students. When a strike notice has been filed, the teachers concerned must indicate their intention to participate in the action at least two days in advance, including a working day within this period. This provision stems from the law of August 20, 2008, which established a right to childcare in schools. The Ministry of National Education specifies the procedures .
This declaration indicates an intention, not a definite participation: a primary school teacher who has submitted it may ultimately decide not to strike. However, according to the rules presented by the Ministry, participating in the movement without having declared themselves beforehand may result in disciplinary action.
In the second stage, the absence is noted on site
In middle and high schools, teachers are not subject to this 48-hour prior notification requirement. Therefore, they do not have to inform their superiors or students before the movement. Their absence is noted when they are due to report for duty; the school administration then issues a document certifying the absence from duty, according to the guidelines of the CGT Éduc’action union in Versailles.
According to the SNES-FSU, this lack of prior obligation also applies to education assistants (AEDs), support staff for students with disabilities (AESHs), senior education advisors (CPEs) and National Education psychologists.
The difference in procedure between the two levels explains why attendance in middle and high schools cannot be known in advance from individual declarations. On September 29, absences in these institutions are recorded at the time of reporting for duty.
Source: 20 Minutes – Front Page (www.20minutes.fr)
Original article: See the original source
Author: Mathilde Durand
