Barran Press
TAIZ, Yemen — On January 2, 2025, the Teachers' Union in Taiz Governorate organized a large march to protest delayed salary payments and the deteriorating living conditions, calling for an increase in teachers' wages to ensure a decent standard of living.
According to a reporter from Barran Press, the demonstration, titled "Dignity for the Teacher," paraded through the streets of Taiz, culminating at the governor's office. Participants carried banners condemning the worsening living conditions and demanding improved circumstances for teachers, alongside a rise in the minimum wage.
The statement issued during the march accused local and central authorities, referring to the internationally recognized Yemeni government, of neglecting the essential demands of educators for salaries that provide a sustainable livelihood. It emphasized that adequate compensation is crucial for teachers to maintain their psychological and social stability, allowing them to fulfill their roles effectively.
The union's statement noted that it had "exhausted all legitimate means" to advocate for teachers' rights, having sent numerous appeals, carried out protests, and initiated a comprehensive strike.
Among the demands outlined in the statement were regular salary disbursements and continuous improvements in wages to align with rising living costs, with a call for a cost-of-living allowance similar to those implemented in four other governorates: Aden, Marib, Hadramout, and Al-Mahra.
The teachers also sought the payment of all overdue salaries from 2016-2017, similar to disbursements made in other liberated provinces, and requested an increase in the minimum salary and a reevaluation of the pay scale for each grade.
Further demands included the implementation of adjustments and allowances, annual bonuses for the years 2021-2024, and the processing of pending annual bonuses from previous years for eligible teachers.
The statement emphasized the need to rectify the pay situation for teachers dating back to 2011, noting that some educators receive salaries as low as 50,000 to 60,000 riyals.
Moreover, the union called for the payment of salaries for displaced teachers and the enforcement of the Health Insurance Law No. (9) of 2011, alongside improvements in essential services such as water, electricity, healthcare, and road repairs in Taiz.
The union urged state authorities to address housing rent issues and reconsider regulations to ensure stability for employees and low-income earners.
Since December 22, teachers in Taiz have been on an open-ended strike as part of the union's escalated actions until their demands, particularly the regularization of salaries and wage increases, are met.
Additionally, on January 1, 2025, the Faculty Members and Assistants Union at Taiz University announced a comprehensive strike starting Saturday, January 4, 2025, to advocate for better living conditions and the disbursement of their delayed financial entitlements.
