Ei-iE

Since 2021, the STEB has been conducting a cooperation project with the French union SNES-FSU to improve occupational health and safety in Burundi’s schools. Rémy Nsengiyumva, President of the STEB, reflects on the progress made with this initiative, the challenges encountered, and the prospects for the future.

Worlds of Education: What motivated your union to develop this project?

We were already working on projects related to social dialogue, but we needed to go further. Working conditions for teaching staff in Burundi are often precarious: overcrowded classrooms, run-down infrastructure, inadequate sanitary facilities, etc. Many classrooms have no windows fitted, for example, exposing staff and students to the elements.

The deplorable conditions place our colleagues at risk of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses. Many suffer from ailments such as muscular disorders. At the same time, the teachers who suffer from occupational illnesses in Burundi are not covered or protected in any way by their employers. It was therefore essential that we take action.

Worlds of Education: What concrete action has been taken?

We organised annual training workshops in cooperation with the SNES-FSU, first at national committee level then at provincial committee level. We are currently working with the municipal committees. Our motto is that prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. These training sessions raise our colleagues’ awareness of the health and safety standards that should be implemented in the education sector.

We begin by looking at the instruments of the International Labour Organization (ILO), such as Convention 155 on Occupational Safety and Health of 1988, Convention 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health of 2006, and Convention 161 on Occupational Health Services of 1985.

We also emphasise the need to enforce the national legislation already in place. The Labour Code and Law No. 1/03 of 8 February 2023 on the general status of public servants stipulate, for example, that “public servants shall be protected by the state from the consequences of occupational risks to which they may be exposed”.

We have also begun advocacy work with the relevant ministries to advance national policy on occupational health and safety. One of the project’s aims is to push the government to draw up a list of recognised occupational diseases. This list should normally be appended to the Social Protection Code, and the authorities should make it available to everyone.

Worlds of Education: What challenges are you coming up against?

Aside from the absence of an official list in our legislation, the climate in which our union has to operate is far from favourable. Our right to freedom of association is under particular pressure. The authorities have suspended the payroll deduction system for union dues, which weakens our financial autonomy.

Worlds of Education: How have your members reacted to this union initiative on health and safety?

Very positively. We are already seeing tangible results. Teachers now feel empowered to report dangerous infrastructure and inadequate working conditions: classrooms at risk of collapse, unsanitary toilets, trees that have fallen on a school, etc. They now have legal references to support their requests. This shows that the awareness-raising campaign is bearing fruit.

Worlds of Education: Has your project been influenced by the experiences of other unions? How important is it to network and share best practices?

Absolutely. Our partnership with the SNES-FSU has allowed us to benefit from their expertise and tools. Networking with other Education International member organisations is essential: it allows us to compare practices, inspire each other, and strengthen our advocacy. The STEB is an active union within EI and we firmly believe in the power of international trade union cooperation and solidarity.

Worlds of Education: What advice would you give to other unions embarking on this type of project?

Start by listening to your members’ needs. Then, form local committees capable of driving actions. Finally, do not be afraid to engage in dialogue with the authorities, even if it takes time. Persistence is the key.