Public sector workers block oil route to protest unpaid salaries

SULAYMANIYAH — A group of public employees, primarily teachers from Sulaymaniyah and Halabja, blocked the Sulaimaniyah-Arbat road on Sunday to protest delayed and unpaid salaries from the Kurdistan Regional Government. The demonstrators halted the movement of oil tankers, demanding immediate government action to resolve ongoing financial issues.

The protest, joined by individuals who had staged a 15-day hunger strike in front of the UN compound in Sulaimaniyah, targeted a critical economic artery. The blocked road is a key route for oil exports through the Bashmakh and Parvez Khan border crossings with Iran. Protesters say the blockade is meant to disrupt the oil trade.

“We want to put an end to the economic comfort enjoyed by the ruling parties,” one protesting teacher told 964media. “Just as they’ve cut off our livelihoods, we’ll cut off their sources of income. We’re blocking every road that leads to the wealth of these parties.”

Atta Ahmed, who participated in the earlier hunger strike, also joined the blockade. Speaking to 964media, he explained that the goal was to deliver a clear message to the KRG: oil revenues must be distributed fairly among the people. “We will continue until we see real results. If this action doesn’t work, we’re ready to take stronger measures,” Ahmed said.

Public employees across the Kurdistan Region have faced repeated salary delays, with December 2024 wages still unpaid.

While private cars and smaller vehicles were allowed to pass, oil tankers were completely blocked, leading to a traffic jam along the road connecting Sulaymaniyah to Halabja and the Garmian area. Dozens of tankers were left stranded as protesters prevented them from moving forward.

The Sulaimaniyah-Arbat road serves as a key route for tankers transporting oil to the Bashmakh and Parvez Khan border crossings, vital gateways for exports to Iran.

Srusht Hawari, another protester, emphasized the determination of those involved, despite the freezing weather. “We’re not here for a picnic—we’re here to fight,” Hawari said. “Whatever the situation, we’ll stand our ground for as long as it takes.”

Protesters also accused the government of enabling oil smuggling through the tanker routes for more than a decade. “This protest is to demand that oil revenues, which belong to the people, actually benefit the citizens and not just the ruling elite,” one demonstrator said.

While it remains unclear how long the blockade will continue, protesters have vowed to maintain their presence until their demands are met. They also warned that they are prepared to set up tents along the road if necessary to sustain the pressure on the government.

A tanker driver told 964media, “We support their demands, but the government is responsible, why are they blocking our way?”

He also warned that the tankers are carrying gasoline and crude oil, and they must be allowed to pass. “These loads are dangerous,” he said.