After several consecutive days of protests, thousands of retired and working teachers and educators, joined by supporters, demonstrated in more than 100 cities across the country. These protests were held on December 13 by the call of the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations.
According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, demands included the implementation of an already-enacted plan whereupon the incomes of teachers will be increased depending on rank, to up to 80% of the salaries of faculty members.
They also asked for unpaid severance payments for retirees who went into pension last year. The implementation of this plan will reduce disparities in income and pay gaps.
Chants included “teacher wake up, stand up against discrimination”, “Free Imprisoned teachers”, “If our problem is not solved, the school will be closed”.
In these demonstrations, some protesters had some handheld placards with slogans in support of the recent protests in Isfahan against water supply mismanagement.
In Alborz Provinces and in Tehran (in front of Parliament), these protests turned violent due to the interference of security forces.
In Saqqez City, teachers chanted in support of Amanj Amini, the teacher who had been previously arrested, beaten and mistreated by security forces during the protest.
