Iraqi cabinet approves measures in response to teacher strikes, pledges housing and pay support

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved a package of measures aimed at addressing growing discontent among teachers, who launched a nationwide strike demanding salary reforms, housing support, and enforcement of long-stalled legislation.

The decision followed a Cabinet session attended by the head of the Iraqi Teachers Syndicate, according to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The measures are intended “to support educational and teaching staff, and employees of the Ministry of Education,” the statement said.

Key steps include the allocation of residential land for teachers and ministry staff in Baghdad and other governorates. A high-level committee will be formed to implement the prime minister’s directive to establish neighborhoods designated for education personnel, with the Teachers Syndicate participating across all governorates, the government said.

The Cabinet also directed the Ministry of Finance to release transportation stipends already allocated in the budgets of education directorates for school supervisors. In addition, the Ministry of Education will distribute 100,000 dinars (about $67) per academic term to each school administration to support operations.

The government said it would “fully activate all articles of the Teacher Protection Law No. 8 of 2018,” a central demand of striking educators. Although the law was passed several years ago, teachers argue it has never been properly implemented.

Another measure involves a nationwide survey of rural schools and their staff, particularly those working more than 100 kilometers from city centers. The Ministry of Education will review the data to “find appropriate solutions to ensure fairness,” the statement said.

Responding to demands from veteran educators, the Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Finance to study whether years of unpaid service can be counted toward salary increases and promotions.

In a final measure, the government said teachers and education staff would be eligible for low-interest loans from state banks to improve living conditions.

The announcement follows the start of a nationwide strike on April 6, when teachers across Iraq refused to return to classrooms after Eid al-Fitr. Protests have taken place in Baghdad, Basra, Wasit, Kirkuk, and other governorates. The Coordinating Committee for the Teachers’ and Instructors’ Strike has called for comprehensive pay reform, housing allocations, and implementation of the Teacher Protection Law.

Tensions flared Tuesday in Dhi Qar, where riot police reportedly used force to disperse striking teachers protesting outside the Education Directorate. Several teachers were injured and detained, prompting condemnation from education officials and lawmakers. MP Dawood al-Aidan called the incident “unacceptable” and urged immediate government action.