The failure rate in high schools and technical colleges is on the increase and is now greater than 18%: 11,000 jobs have been lost over the last 5 years (7,260 in 2009) and a further 5,000 positions (both teaching and administrative) are expected to be lost next year; logistical and building security problems continue. This is the picture of Sicilian schools painted by Giusto Scozzaro, Secretary General of FLC CGIL Sicilia (trade union for school, university, research and vocational training workers in Sicily), at the union’s regional congress which opened on 8th March in Campofelice di Roccella (Palermo), with an attendance of over 140 delegates.

"These are the results of the 'Gelmini cure' and the lack of a regional policy on the right to education” purported Scozzaro. The student population has decreased by 40,000 heads over the past 5 years as a result of the population decrease, “but government cuts have gone far beyond this”. The FLC asked the Region to "pass a law granting the right to education, the lack of which is a scandal at a political level that we can't tolerate any more" continued Scozzaro.

Schools, clubs and local authorities, as well as the FLC, are calling for a "political commitment to provide funding and resources to improve the level of regional education, school buildings and to guarantee services and support activities." The union announced the resumption workplace-based actions and asked teachers not to acquiesce to "unlawful" conditions, such as overcrowded classrooms.

Scozzaro stressed that "the CGIL is willing to take brave steps with regards to education, but will no longer tolerate a dirty system that generates wastefulness, and in which myriad of interest groups focus on the division of EU funds or on gathering electoral support.” The union calls for control and inspection of private schools, of which there are thousands on the island of Sicily. As for the appointment of school principals, declared invalid by the CGA (Council of Justice), "we need to restore legality and re-do the whole process” explained Scozzaro.