Back-to-school 2025/2026: COREC threatens to strike if their demands are not met

With barely three-day to the start of the new academic school year in Cameroon, scheduled for Monday, September 8, the Collection of Teachers' Organisations of Cameroon (COREC) is threatening to paralyze classes from Monday, September 8 to October 6, 2025 if the government does not meet its demands. 

According to a resolution signed by COREC dated August 31, From September 8 to October 12 teachers are called upon to go to their establishments and welcome students but they should not teach.

“The Government will be held solely responsible for the escalation of this protest movement and its inevitable impact on the 2025-2026 school year.”

“The future of our children is not negotiable. Neither is the dignity of our profession. Let's mobilise to save our school, to save Cameroon.” The communique stated.

The education system is on the brink of a new crisis, and the 2025-2026 school year may not begin normally in Cameroon. COREC, which brings together several public and private teachers' unions, has announced an imminent strike if concrete measures are not taken by the authorities. 

At the heart of their demands are six key points deemed non-negotiable, including: The organisation of a National Education Forum, the adoption of a special status for teachers, The signing of a Collective Agreement for private education, the regularisation of staff, the appointment of educational facilitators, the payment of compensation owed by the Cameroon Baccalaureate Office (OBC).

Despite months of discussions since last March, the unions believe that the negotiations have not produced any tangible solutions.

A meeting held on Wednesday, September 3, at the Ministry of Labor, chaired by Gregoire Owona, attempted to ease tensions with proposals such as raising the minimum wage, improving social benefits, and implementing appropriate collective agreements. 

However, these proposals were deemed insufficient by union representatives. "Too many theoretical meetings lead to nothing concrete," lamented a COREC member, emphasising the urgency of a strong political response. 

In private institutions, teachers are demanding greater recognition and consideration, denouncing the precariousness of their working conditions. 

COREC warns that if no significant progress is made in the coming days, the government will be responsible for a possible total shutdown of the start of the school year. The countdown has begun to avoid a new social standoff in education.

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Photo credit: Actu Cameroun