Libya’s House of Representatives has approved a law to increase teachers’ wages following threats by the teachers’ union to launch a strike.
Parliament spokesman Abdullah Bhelig said the law was approved during a formal parliament session in the presence of parliament speaker Agila Saleh.
Earlier in October, the teachers’ union in Libya called on teachers across the country to start an open sit-in and suspend teaching at schools until their demands are met.
The union is demanding an increase of salaries and allowances for the teachers, as well as health insurance for the teachers and their families.
There are more than half a million school teachers in Libya.
Their wages account for about a quarter of the country’s general annual budget.
NAN reports that on March, the Libtan Teachers Syndicate and all branch offices announced going on an open strike over demands for salary promotions.
In a statement issued after a meeting in Tripoli they demand salary promotions as per proposed law No.10 that was put forth by the Libyan Teachers Syndicate.
The syndicate also demanded for health insurances for all teaching staffers as per law No.20 of 2010 as well as separating High Education Ministry and Education Ministry and launching High Council of Planning and Education Development.
