Jordan: Teachers to continue nationwide strike September 30 /update 2

Event

Leaders of the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate have announced on Monday, September 30, that they will continue the nationwide strike initiated on Sunday, September 8, despite a Court order that suspends it. The vice president of the union has demanded talks with the government to be public, and has claimed the union was not informed of the court's decision to legally stop the strike.

Associated protests are possible across the country, notably in Amman, over the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence along with localized traffic disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of any protest. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

On September 5, teachers held a protest in Amman to demand higher salaries. The protest resulted in clashes with security forces as protesters attempted to march to the Prime Minister Omar Razzaz's office. On September 8, the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate has launched a nationwide strike. At least 100,000 teachers are said to be participating to the ongoing strike, which has reportedly affected over one and a half million students in public schools as of October 2.

On September 29, the Administrative Court ruled to suspend the open strike following lawsuits filled by parent students. On the same day, the government offered striking teachers pay hikes raging from 6 to 18 percent, against the 50 percent increase demanded by the teachers.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan, and particularly in Amman, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.