France threatens teachers over exam disruptions

France’s education minister today threatened to punish teachers who disrupt graduation exams by protesting against government plans to overhaul the country’s costly pension system.

Luc Ferry issued the threat as students at the University of Perpignan, in southern France, were unable to take scheduled exams for a second day running because teachers blocked access to the building.

Authorities at the college were forced to reschedule exams for nearly 2,000 students yesterday.

“I am gathering together the rectors and education inspectors to draw up with them in a very firm way - measures not to have a general postponement of exams,” Ferry said. “It would be totally unacceptable.”

The teachers’ decision to block students from taking end-of-school and other exams is part of nation-wide protests by public sector workers against government retirement reform plans.

The education minister said he would take all measures at his disposal to ensure the exams go ahead as planned.

Asked what those might include, Ferry said: “Penalties if necessary, of course.” He did not say, however, exactly how he would penalise teachers who do not comply.

The uncertainty over exams has worried students and angered parent-teacher associations.

Teachers nation-wide have already skipped class six times to join street protests.

The government of Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin wants to end the privileged position of public sector employees by requiring them to work for 40 years to gain for full retirement pay, putting them on a par with private sector employees. They currently have to work 37.5 years to qualify for the benefits.

The government has warned the retirement system will collapse within 20 years if not changed because the growth in the number of retirees is outpacing that of workers who contribute to the system.