Union rejects the salary scale and backs teachers’ protest
LIBYA – Libya’s General Teachers’ Union has denied approving the figures in the unified salary scale in its current form, saying it played no part in setting what it described as “meagre” amounts and that the scale neither meets teachers’ aspirations nor guarantees them a decent living amid high prices. The union also said it stands with the teachers’ protest movement against the scale until their demands are met.
In a statement responding to those accusing it of accepting the scale or helping to set its figures, the union said its objection concerns the salary levels in the scale, not the principle of social justice it has been calling for.
A decision already made before the union attended
The union said it had a prior appointment with the finance minister to discuss teachers’ overdue entitlements, namely the lesson allowance, bonuses for school principals and their deputies, and salary arrears, but was surprised during the meeting to learn that the decision on the unified salary scale was already finalised and awaited only approval by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity.
It added that the decision would have been adopted whether or not the union attended that day, noting that it had been agreed in advance after the approval of high-paying state bodies had been secured, and that all that remained was the prime minister’s signature.
The union stressed that it had made clear during the meeting that the scale did not meet teachers’ aspirations, did not guarantee them a decent living and was out of step with rising prices, insisting that it had not agreed to the salary figures it contains.
Why the sit-in was called off
Explaining its decision to end the sit-in, the union said that once the salary scale had been adopted and most of its demands met, including a unified scale, allowances and health insurance, among others, it judged at the time that there was no longer any option that justified continuing the sit-in.
At the same time, it admitted that it bore responsibility for announcing the end of the sit-in from the Cabinet headquarters without first consulting its rank and file, acknowledging that this was a mistake, and said the pressure it had faced was more than it could bear.
Backing protests by teachers and employees
The union expressed hope that the mistake would serve to correct course and unite teachers and all employees in rejecting a scale that does not meet their aspirations.
It said teachers had “had their say” by rejecting the salary scale and had the right to impose their will, adding that the General Union and its branch unions stand with the protest movement until the demands are met.
