Media: Russian teachers sent to gas stations to calm customers
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Russian teachers are reportedly being sent to gas stations to calm angry customers.
- This assignment is offered with free coffee and tea as compensation, but teachers express dissatisfaction and fear job loss.
- Similar initiatives are emerging in other regions of Russia, with authorities seeking 'volunteers' for gas station duty amid fuel restrictions.
In Russia's Dinsk district, teachers are reportedly being assigned to work at gas stations to de-escalate tensions with customers, according to media reports. The administration has offered free coffee and tea as compensation for this duty, a move that has sparked significant online backlash from internet users.
One educator voiced their frustration on social media, stating, "We are young teachers, we even weigh less than 50 kilograms, and now we have to calm down angry people at gas stations. For free and mandatory, because otherwise there will be questions, and they might even fire us."
Employees of the district education department have confirmed that teachers are indeed working at gas stations. However, they claimed that the teachers volunteer for these shifts, and notably, only men are assigned, with women exempt from this duty. This explanation has done little to quell the public's discontent.
Similar situations are unfolding in other parts of Russia. In the Pskov region, officials are seeking 'volunteers' to work at 'Surgutnaftogaz' gas stations. These individuals are tasked with informing drivers about fuel sale restrictions and monitoring queues, though no mention of payment or compensation has been made. Meanwhile, various regions are implementing a system where citizens can purchase gasoline on alternating days based on their license plate numbers, adding to the widespread inconvenience and frustration.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.