Teachers dress in black to protest low salaries

A large number of teachers have attended work dressed in black, to call the government’s attention to several issues including low salaries.

A group of teachers went to work dressed in black, also back in April 2014.

This movement, initiated by the Teachers’ Association, is joined by teachers across the country.

President of the Teachers’ Association Athif Abdul Hakeem said that this is ‘the lightning before the thunder’, and if no agreement is reached, teachers will stop attending work on Tuesday.

“Our stand is, establish a fair salary and benefits structure. This stand will not change,” said Athif.

He added that discussions are ongoing between the Teachers’ Association and the Ministry of Education.

Earlier, the Labour Relation Authority said that the protest, which claims that staff in the education sector have lost their social and economic rights, is neither lawful nor peaceful; and action will be taken if teachers participate in illegal protests.

In response to this, the Teachers’ Association said that as long as teachers’ concerns remain unaddressed, they will engage in protests as allowed by the Constitution.