Thousands of teachers protest for better pay in Tunisia

High school and secondary school teachers stage a demonstration demanding wage increase, early retirement and education reform in Tunis, Tunisia on 12 December 2018 [Nacer Talel/Anadolu Agency]

Thousands of middle and high school teachers protested in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, yesterday to demand better pay and improved working conditions.

The protest, organiaed by the General Syndicate of Secondary Education, started in the the Education Ministry and finished at the Avenue Bourguiba.

The protesters demanded Education Minister Hatem Bin Salem step down.

Secretary-General of the Syndicate Saad Yaqoubi said: “We will not retreat from our demands, retreat is a betrayal for you. Our battle is a battle of dignity and honour for the homeland.”

Teacher Abd Al-Sattar Al-Amdouni said the demands are not new, adding: “We have had the same demands for years.”

Tunisian teachers have been demanding better pay, improved work conditions and to lower the retirement age from 60 to 55.

The teachers have been protesting since 26 November.

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