exhausted, those accompanying disabled students are mobilizing
“With the deterioration of working conditions, AESH are no longer able to ensure quality inclusion” deplores Corinne Vaulotresponsible CGT Educ’action 31. On October 19, 2021, the accompanying persons had already mobilized to demand a salary increase and recognition of the arduousness of their profession. Their fight continues.
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Thursday, January 27, 2022, a new demonstration is planned. It will bring together, in addition to the AESH, teachers of the first and second degree, the AED and the FCPE (first union of parents of students). An inter-union rally (FSU, CGT Education, Sud Education, FCPE) at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Labor Exchange on Place Saint-Sernin will be organized to make the situation of AESH visible. At 10.30 a.m., the demonstration will leave from Place Arnaud Bernard.
Taking on precariousness
The main claim of the AESH rests a salary increase. Asked by The Independent Opinion, Corinne Vaulot Explain :
The majority of AESH, around 62%, work part-time, so the salary varies between 700 and 800 euros per month. Although a slight increase was made, inflation and the constant increase in the cost of living erased this small advance. The income must correspond to the level of expertise of the AESH, but also, to the height of their responsibility, which is very important. Accompanying students with disabilities is not easy.”
For this, the inter-union wants to align their salaries on the grid category B officials. The CGT, for its part, also proposes to pass 24 hour week to full time, in terms of compensation. “For an AESH, it is difficult to work 35 hours, especially in the first degree. By lowering full-time to 24 hours, this can make it possible to move forward on salary issues”, estimates Corinne Vaulot.
“The job no longer makes sense”
The trade unionist also castigates the Inclusive center for localized support (PIAL), set up in 2018. Its objective was to facilitate the profession of AESH through pooling. According to those concerned, the PIAL “complicates” the job more.
Because of the PIAL, the hours of accompaniment are reduced. The rectorate considers that a pupil is accompanied from 7 hours per week. Or, it is insufficient for a child. In addition, many AESH accompany up to 4 students at the same time in a class. However, these students have different disabilities. For some, continuous work is necessary. We no longer find this quality support, which degrades the inclusion of these students. In addition to losing quality, AESH no longer see any point in their work. Their job no longer makes sense,” protests the CGT Educ’action 31 manager.
More qualifying courses
According to the trade unionist, the AESH would have benefited from the status of public service. “We need more qualifying training and avoid precarious status. For example, an AESH express a CDI after 6 years. Very often, the accompanying persons lose all motivation. Some resign after 10 years of seniority, others multiply the work stoppages.
In Haute-Garonne, a total of 4,000 AESH is awarded. An insufficient number to meet the department’s demand. “In some establishments, 4 to 5 AESH are missing. The State is working to improve the attractiveness of the profession, but with a precariousness of the conditions of the accompanying persons and their salaries, it is difficult to attract new volunteers” worries Corinne Vaulot.