Jordan teachers clash with police during protests over stagnant wages

Jordanian security forces used tear gas in Amman to break up a teachers' protest demanding a 50 percent hike in their salaries.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

05 September, 2019

Security forces block a road as Jordanian teachers gather near government headquarters in Amman [Anadolu/Getty]

Thousands of teachers protested in Jordan on Thursday to demand higher wages, with clashes with security forces in the capital Amman reported.

Organisers of the demonstration in Amman said the government has yet to deliver on a 50 percent wage increase agreed upon in 2014 to boost their meagre salaries, said to be less than $200 a month.

Security forces blocked roads and prevented the protesters from reaching the prime minister's office.

The teachers gathered in different areas of Amman, chanting anti-government slogans and calling for an open-ended sit-in.

Organisers had called on teachers in other cities to protest at their schools if security forces prevented them from travelling to Amman.

The teachers' syndicate later called for a strike on Sunday, the first day of the school week.

The government said in a statement that it is committed to dialogue with the teachers but that classes should not be interrupted and performance must improve.

The Education Ministry says a 50 percent salary increase would cost nearly $160 million per year.