Call from teachers in front of the Ministry of National Education: Appoint interview victims, guarantee base salary

Members of the Private Sector Teachers' Union and teachers who were victims of the interview process continued their protests in Ankara. In a statement made in front of the Ministry of National Education (MEB) building, the problems of teachers awaiting appointment and the demands of teachers working in the private sector regarding wages and job security were brought to the agenda.

Teachers, who marched from the union headquarters to the MEB building, chanted slogans such as, "Let Minister Tekin live on minimum wage, teachers are strong together." In the statement made in front of the ministry, it was demanded that the grievances experienced by 1,611 teachers who were victims of the interview process be resolved.

The statement asserted that "This country deserves to bring its trained teachers together with their students immediately, rather than keeping them waiting," arguing that keeping teachers who are ready for appointment waiting at home is unacceptable in terms of the education system and public conscience.

Pointing out that private sector teachers work for low wages and under precarious conditions, the statement emphasized that the demand for a base salary is not merely an economic issue. Teachers stated that a base salary is a legal guarantee that will protect the dignity of the profession and prevent the exploitation of labor.

The statement included the following: "A teacher should not worry about their own future while helping their students dream of the future throughout the academic year." It was noted that it is unrealistic to expect a teacher without job security to devote all their energy to their students.

The teachers reiterated their demands under three headings: the appointment of the 1,611 teachers who were victims of the interview process, the unconditional restoration of the legal right to a base salary for private sector teachers, and the adoption of indefinite employment contracts instead of fixed-term contracts in educational institutions.

The statement expressed that the teachers' primary goal is not protest areas but classrooms, stating, "We no longer want to pack our suitcases for protests, but to go to our places of duty."

News Source: 12punto