A nationwide teachers' strike in Libya has entered its indefinite phase, affecting 1.6 million public-school students. The strike, led by educators demanding higher salaries, health insurance, and overtime compensation, began in mid-September and has spread across the country. Teachers are protesting over unmet demands, with some taking to the streets to demand a wage raise similar to that of other public-sector employees. The strike has postponed the start of the school year, which was initially set for early September.
The teachers' movement, now backed by the Libya teachers' union, has gained significant support from educators across the country. According to Achraf Abou Raoui, spokesman for the Libyan general teachers' union, the strike has been "100 percent" followed by teachers in the public sector. The union says public sector salaries vary by sector, but wage differences for educators are too wide and disadvantageous. A public school teacher's monthly salary varies between 1,000 and 2,500 Libyan dinars ($155 and $390).
The strike has brought together thousands of protesters in cities including Tripoli and Benghazi. In Tripoli, a large protest was held outside the government headquarters, with teachers demanding fair pay and social justice. Fatima Ali, a 37-year-old teacher from Tripoli, said Libyan teachers are suffering and need a wage raise. The teachers are seeking to ensure "social justice and decent living conditions in the face of inflation".
The education sector in Libya employs nearly half a million teachers and administrative staff. According to Abou Raoui, this is the first time a strike of this kind has attracted such broad support. The movement is seen as a grassroots effort, with teachers mobilizing themselves rather than being led by unions. The strike has affected schools across the country, with the private sector remaining unaffected.
The Tripoli-based education ministry has held several meetings to address the teachers' healthcare insurance demands. However, it has yet to comment on their request regarding wages. The ministry plans to bring changes to the school calendar, including cancelling holidays, to make up for classes missed due to the strike.
Libya has been beset by violence and instability since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country remains divided between the UN-recognised government in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and a rival administration in the east backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar. The teachers' strike has added to the country's challenges, with thousands of students affected.
The teachers' strike in Libya highlights the challenges faced by educators in the country. With low salaries and limited benefits, teachers are demanding change to ensure a decent standard of living. The strike has brought attention to the plight of teachers in Libya, with the international community watching closely as the situation unfolds.
Key points
- The strike has postponed the start of the school year for 1.6 million students.
- Teachers are demanding higher salaries, health insurance, and overtime compensation.
- The strike has gained broad support from educators across the country, with nearly half a million teachers and administrative staff employed in the education sector.
