Iranian teachers go back on strike
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Teachers in Iran have gone on strike for the second time in as many months, protesting low wages.
With the fall of the Iranian currency, the rial, and rising inflation, teachers cannot make ends meet.
“The recent financial crisis has impacted teachers in a way such that their income barely feeds them for 15 days. After that, they have to request loans from relatives and shopkeepers,” said one teacher in a phone call with Rudaw.
Some students have also gone on strike in solidarity with their teachers. One Kurdish student said they are being asked by schools to pay more than they can afford in fees.
The Coordinating Council of Teachers Syndicates in Iran (CCTSI) called on the government to provide free and fair education for students and respect teachers by helping them financially.
According to activist groups, women have been largely leading the strike.
Deputy minister for education, Allahyad Turkmen, spoke on IRIB TV late on Sunday, trying to convince teachers to end their action.
Teachers have not seen any improvements since staging a two-day strike in October.
According to the CCTSI, the majority of teachers live below the poverty line.
Iran’s economy has taken a nosedive this year after the US withdrew from the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions.
With the fall of the Iranian currency, the rial, and rising inflation, teachers cannot make ends meet.
“The recent financial crisis has impacted teachers in a way such that their income barely feeds them for 15 days. After that, they have to request loans from relatives and shopkeepers,” said one teacher in a phone call with Rudaw.
Some students have also gone on strike in solidarity with their teachers. One Kurdish student said they are being asked by schools to pay more than they can afford in fees.
The Coordinating Council of Teachers Syndicates in Iran (CCTSI) called on the government to provide free and fair education for students and respect teachers by helping them financially.
According to activist groups, women have been largely leading the strike.
Deputy minister for education, Allahyad Turkmen, spoke on IRIB TV late on Sunday, trying to convince teachers to end their action.
Teachers have not seen any improvements since staging a two-day strike in October.
According to the CCTSI, the majority of teachers live below the poverty line.
Iran’s economy has taken a nosedive this year after the US withdrew from the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions.