With the start of the new school year, a large number of the staff of Kurdish schools in Kirkuk go on strike and stage a protest.
But Shérzad Kake, director of Kurdish education in Kirkuk, told KirkukNow that they will not be going on strike, adding that they have no significant issues with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) this year.
Most Kurdish teachers get their salaries from the KRG, but the KRG has been failing to pay all civil servants in time and without cuts. In total, Kurdish teachers have been paid only salaries of four months in all of 2020.
Ali Muhammad, one of the protesting teachers, said: “I will not be going to work without getting paid. For a year now, for the sake of the young generation, I have been willing to give lessons in this city, but I will no longer let my family and kids suffer for my decision.”
“It's not right that a government that exists for 30 years is unable to pay salaries. That’s why we are going on strike. Those who take their orders from the political parties, go ahead and give lessons,” Muhammad added.
Teachers who get their salaries from the Federal Government, get paid in full and on time.
At least 8,000 Kurdish teachers in the disputed areas get their salaries from the KRG.
