Private sector teachers' union protests for minimum wage and appointments
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Private sector teachers and those awaiting appointments protested in Izmir, demanding legal guarantees for minimum wages and solutions to issues arising from the interview system.
- Protesters highlighted low wages and insecure working conditions in private educational institutions, stating that these issues damage the profession's reputation.
- They called for promises made by authorities to be kept, including the re-establishment of legal guarantees for minimum wages and secure working conditions, and for the appointment of teachers affected by the interview system.
Teachers from private educational institutions and those awaiting appointments gathered in Izmir's Karลฤฑyaka district to protest what they describe as unfair working conditions and a lack of job security. The group, organized by the Private Sector Teachers' Union, marched through the streets, chanting slogans and demanding action on their core issues.
Central to their demands is the establishment of a legal guarantee for a minimum wage for teachers in the private sector. They argue that current low wages and precarious employment conditions not only harm educators but also damage the reputation of the teaching profession. The union stated that promises made by authorities in the past to improve conditions have not been fulfilled, emphasizing that these were "state promises" that must be honored.
We know we are right, and we are tired of hearing it. We don't want to be right; we want our rights.
The protesters also voiced strong criticism of the current interview system used for appointments, which they claim has led to widespread grievances. "We know we are right, and we are tired of hearing it. We don't want to be right; we want our rights," read a statement, underscoring their frustration. They stressed that teachers' labor and future are not subjects for negotiation and called for secure working conditions and the appointment of teachers who have been disadvantaged by the interview process.
Looking ahead, the union announced plans to escalate their protest by moving to Ankara if their demands are not met with concrete steps. They are calling on all teachers, education workers, parents, and supporters to join them in the capital on June 14 to collectively advocate for their rights. The message is clear: promises must be kept, and the teaching profession must be upheld.
We are calling on all teachers, education workers, parents, and everyone who wants to show solidarity to stand together in Ankara.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.