SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Dozens of non-contract teachers continued their strike in parts of the Kurdistan Region on Wednesday, demanding the government give them full contract and benefits that their colleagues receive.
Esta Media Network reporter in Sulaimani said the teachers had been on strike in the city for 11 days.
The non-contract teachers blocked the road in front of the Kurdistan Parliament’s office in Sulaimani, the reporter added.
“We haven’t been responded by the ministry of education yet,” a teacher said outside the parliament’s office.
“The only demand we have is employment or full contract,” she added, noting that she has served in the education field for over 8 years.
The sum which the non-contract teachers are paid “is not enough for vehicle fares,” she continued.
The non-contract teachers are paid based on the number of lessons they are given per day. The minimum amount per lesson given to teachers holding a bachelor degree is 4,000 Iraqi dinars ($2.7).
“The minister has made many promises which were not kept. If you cannot keep them, why do you make promises?” another teacher said. “Either leave your post or don’t make promises that you cannot keep.”
Strikes of non-contract teachers are also ongoing in Qaladiza, Rania and Kalar.
*Corrects the sum which non-contract teachers receive in seventh paragraph
