Paris – 09.06.2026: On Tuesday today, the Accompagnants des Élèves en Situation de Handicap (AESH) across France took to the streets, demanding improved working conditions and official recognition as public servants. AESH play a crucial role in inclusive education by accompanying and supporting students with disabilities in their daily learning activities.
Currently, many AESH work part-time with an average salary of about 850 euros per month. This financial hardship not only leads to a high turnover rate but also makes it difficult to retain qualified personnel for the long term. In addition, working hours are often unstable, making it more complicated to balance work and personal life.
In January 2026, the Senate rejected a bill aimed at granting AESH the status of civil servants. The vast majority of Senators argued that this position could not be implemented at present. This decision was sharply criticized by those involved as well as trade unions and parent organizations supporting them, who have long been fighting for stable and fair recognition of AESH work.
Today’s nationwide protest expresses that opposition. At the gathering in Paris, many AESH and their supporters participated, fighting for better pay, fixed working hours, and most importantly, civil servant status. They emphasize that such recognition is a prerequisite to ensuring the quality of inclusive education. Without appropriate conditions, it is nearly impossible to maintain stable and reliable care for students with disabilities.
The importance of AESH to the French education system is undeniable. They enable children and young people with disabilities to participate in regular classes, thereby promoting inclusion and equal opportunities. However, these companions are enduring precarious working conditions that do not correspond to the importance of their work.
The protest movement on June 9 sends an urgent signal that policy needs to respond to. How the government and parliament will improve the situation of AESH will be closely watched in the coming weeks. The movement specifically calls for the legalization of civil servant rights along with a clear salary increase to ensure social security and professional respect for AESH.
The public debate surrounding AESH highlights the importance of viewing inclusion not only as an educational goal but also as a serious social responsibility. Today’s demonstrations may mark a turning point toward finally achieving sustainable changes for this key professional group in the education system.
Sources
- Weka
- SE-UNSA