When do Teachers Strike: Between Strong Unions, Divergent Preferences and Political Opportunity in Tunisia

Abstract

Unions have played a decisive role in promoting democracy and social justice in Tunisia. In 2023, two teacher unions led a yearlong ‘silent strike’ of withholding student marks from administration. Based on interviews with 60 teachers, this article analyses teacher views on the unions and on ongoing protests. While unions are still considered the main defenders of public education and grievances about salaries were shared among teachers, their views on strike participation diverged based on perceived political opportunity and differences in moral and political preferences, amidst a local political and financial crisis and global pressures towards austerity and privatisation.