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The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has yet to pay teachers their October salaries. Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU) President Abdulwahed Mohammad Haje voiced his discontent, stating, “They have no intention for salaries to reach the teachers easily.”

The government must honor the agreement signed with teacher representative organizations.

Haje emphasized that the teachers of Kurdistan have repeatedly faced hardship due to unpaid salaries. The government has failed to honor the agreement related to the rights of these educators. There was a six-month period of unpaid salaries after the withdrawal of administration by the dictatorial regime in 1991. However, through the dedication and persistence of the teachers, they were able to make their demands a reality.

Since 2014, however late and unpaid salaries have continued, adversely affecting teaching staff.

Haje said: “While government officials and their families continue to live in prosperity, the teachers are suffering. For more than eleven years, the salary issue has remained unresolved, with various controversial policies being implemented by the government at the expense of teachers and public employees.”

There have been 44 instances of delayed and cut salaries, with 15 still unpaid, the KTU leader added. “The fear among teachers is growing since the government never mentions these arrears as if they bear no responsibility for them. Yet, whenever the central government is blamed, the regional government neglects the fact that teachers and public employees bear the brunt of the consequences.”

Several decisions in the public interest have been made this year, thanks to the efforts of teachers and education activists. One of these mandates that the central government pays salaries directly via bank accounts. Furthermore, the 2024 budget law, Article 12, explicitly calls for timely salary payments, with the regional government obligated to comply.

However, the regional government still hasn't implemented these decisions. They are unwilling to open official bank accounts as mandated by the higher court and insist on using private banks. Since the accounts aren’t opened, the monthly salary list isn’t being sent to the Ministry of Finance in the central government. Each time, issues arise, causing delays. These administrative processes add even more time, making salary payment in the region inefficient and disheartening for teachers.

Negative impact on teacher well-being

Haje went on to note that the salary for October remains unpaid with no clarity on when it will be issued. This situation has caused severe anxiety among teachers and civil servants, making them feel as though the government is intentionally playing with their well-being.

He concluded: “The government should take immediate steps toward opening official bank accounts. This would finally end the crisis, and teachers and public employees could focus on their lives and families with confidence, free from the constant worry about their sustenance.”