Jordan: Teachers' protest outside Parliament Jan. 3

Event

Unionized teachers are demonstrating outside the Jordanian Parliament in Amman Jan. 3. The action follows the government's decision to dissolve the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate and imprison some of its leading members. Local media reports indicate skirmishes between protesters and activists have occurred.

Authorities will likely increase security to monitor the event. Localized transport disruptions are possible near the incident site through Jan. 3.

Context

In 2019, the Jordanian judiciary ordered a two-year shutdown of the Jordanian Teachers Syndicate's headquarters and its offices nationwide after arresting several of the union's members over alleged corruption and criminal charges. The move came after the union organized protests calling on the government to abide by its agreement to increase teachers' wages by 50 percent. The union launched a strike in September 2019 to demand the wage increase, which officials initially promised in 2014, but ended it after striking a deal with the government a month later. In March, the government announced that it would be freezing public sector pay due to the worsening economic situation as a result of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Advice

Avoid the protest. Exercise caution in the impact area and heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time if traveling through the affected area Jan. 3.