Kirkuk teachers demand salaries after enduring long delays and lack of financial support from both Baghdad and Erbil. In protest, Kurdish educators in the city have declared a full boycott of the new academic year.
Mohammed Jalil, representing Kurdish schoolteachers in Kirkuk, spoke about the issue on Saturday. He confirmed that most teachers have not received their salaries for months. Additionally, retired educators remain unpaid for over a year.
Jalil emphasized that their demands are simple and legal. “We only ask for our rightful wages,” he stated firmly.
He also warned that protests could escalate. Demonstrations may spread to Baghdad and impact upcoming parliamentary elections.
Kirkuk’s school system mirrors the city’s diverse makeup. Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen each attend separate schools. Arab schools receive funding from Baghdad. Their teachers regularly get federal salaries.
In contrast, Kurdish schools depend on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Unfortunately, the KRG is struggling to pay its staff.
Moreover, Kurdish-language education plays a vital role in Kirkuk. It currently serves tens of thousands of students across many schools. However, this sector continues to suffer from repeated salary disruptions. As a result, these issues now threaten the future of Kurdish education in the region.
Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) faces a growing financial crisis. In fact, some public sector wages from December 2024 remain unpaid.
The crisis stems from political disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. As a result, funding to key services like education has stalled.
Despite repeated appeals, authorities have failed to offer solutions. Kurdish teachers feel neglected by both governments. They have now taken a stand through civil action.
Unless authorities act quickly, this boycott could grow into a larger movement. Teachers remain firm in their position. Their patience has run out.
With political tensions rising, Kirkuk teachers demand salaries and insist on immediate intervention. Without prompt action, the region’s educational future remains uncertain.
The message is clear: Kirkuk teachers demand salaries, and they will not stay silent.
