After visiting the establishments scholars, the union UNSA Education The staff met on Friday, September 11th at Soualiga College to continue gathering grievances from school personnel following the start of the new school year. The issues raised will be presented to the Ministry of Education at a meeting scheduled for September 15th in Paris.
According to Jocelyne Lewis, regional secretary of UNSA Education, the start of the 2026 school year is marked by job cuts and recruitment difficulties. According to the union, 91 positions have been eliminated in schools across the region, across all professions. In secondary schools, the union indicates that Nine teaching positions are currently vacant across the island's five schools.
Housing and compensation at the heart of the difficulties
Among the main difficulties mentioned is also the housing issueThe lack of social housing and high rents make it extremely difficult for newly assigned staff to settle in Saint-Martin. “Some teachers, in particular, thinking they were being transferred to Guadeloupe, only discover their actual assignment upon arrival. in the Northern Islands et finally give up on coming", explains Jocelyne Lewis.
Staff members give their accounts also de delays in the payment of compensation intended to cover travel expenses related to a job transfer, sometimes for nearly a year. A particularly difficult situation for young teachers and their families, in an area where the cost of living and rents are high. are particularly high.
UNSA Education, which federates various unions representing staff in the national education system, intends to bring these grievances to the national level. Jocelyne Lewis will participate this Tuesday. in Paris at a hearing at the ministry, next to representatives of several overseas territories, in order to raise the specific problems faced by National Education staff in the Northern Islands. _DR
