Unions urge teachers to strike as French school exams go ahead in up to 40C heat

French teachers are being urged by unions to strike due to unacceptable working conditions amid a severe heatwave, with classroom temperatures reaching up to 40C. Several teaching unions issued a joint statement on Thursday, denouncing a "blatant lack of preparation" by the government. The unions argue that both staff and children are at risk of health issues in schools that are not equipped to handle such extreme temperatures. Despite the heat, national school exams are proceeding as scheduled, adding further pressure on educators and students. The situation highlights France's struggle to adapt its school infrastructure to rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency of heatwaves. The unions are calling for immediate measures to ensure safer and more adequate working and learning environments for everyone involved in the education system.