A wave of protest is sweeping through the Trentino region of Italy as teachers have collectively decided to boycott school trips, citing unmanageable risks and poor working conditions. This movement, which has spread to approximately 40 educational institutions, highlights a deep-seated frustration among educators regarding their professional status and compensation.
Following a similar 'strike of trips' initiated in the Alto Adige region, teachers in Trentino have voiced their grievances over what they describe as inadequate salaries—among the lowest in Europe—and a significant amount of unpaid 'hidden' work, such as lesson planning and administrative duties performed at home. The movement gained momentum after a large assembly organized by the FLC CGIL union, which brought together over 1,500 teachers to discuss their collective dissatisfaction.
At the Galilei Scientific High School in Trento, the situation reached a critical point when 70 out of 87 teachers formally refused to accompany students on educational trips, guided tours, or international exchanges. The educators argued that these activities now involve 'unreasonable and incalculable risks,' making it impossible for them to guarantee the safety and well-being of their students under current conditions.
Provincial Councilor for Education, Francesca Gerosa, has strongly condemned the boycott. She stated that such actions ultimately harm the students and their educational experiences. While Gerosa expressed a willingness to compare contracts between Trento and Bolzano to address salary concerns, she emphasized that negotiations must occur in a constructive atmosphere, rejecting what she termed as 'blackmail' tactics by the teaching staff.
This protest underscores a broader crisis within the Italian education system, where teachers feel increasingly undervalued and overworked. The movement is not merely about the logistics of school trips but serves as a protest against the systemic neglect of the teaching profession. As the standoff continues, the future of extracurricular activities in the region remains uncertain, with both sides waiting for a breakthrough in dialogue.
Observers note that the teachers' resolve reflects a growing demand for structural reform. Without a comprehensive review of teacher contracts and safety protocols, the educational landscape in Trentino may face prolonged disruptions, affecting the holistic development of students who rely on these trips for practical learning.
