Switzerland - Back-to-school strike - August 31, 2026

Unions announced a work stoppage in schools from 10 to 18 August. The goal: to boycott the start of classes, scheduled for 17 August. The unions oppose budget cuts in the civil service, such as the elimination of annual salary increases. Geneva’s back-to-school public-sector strike drew far fewer participants than an earlier June action, with just over 500 demonstrators gathering against anticipated budget cuts. Teacher participation was minimal, at 1.2% of Department of Public Instruction staff, resulting in around 60 cancelled classes and 153 absent students. Despite the low turnout, Cartel intersyndical president said "we won't drop the matter," vowing continued pressure as the canton’s 2027 budget approached, with frozen salaries, halted benefit indexation and welfare cuts continuing.

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