A new crisis might jeopardize academic year in Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Education Abbas al-Halabi suspended his plan to pay teachers $5 for each day they work. This move was made in response to criticism that it would diminish the dignity of schools teaching staff, as some saw it.

Public school teachers' unions announced a week-long strike after being shocked by the minister's failure to keep his word, even though it was only crumbs in their estimation.

Public school teachers' unions apologized for missing the meeting with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday at the Grand Serail. 

They argued that the visits had only resulted in empty promises and urged Mikati to find solutions and make decisions quickly so that teachers could return to their classrooms.

The teachers syndicate was the only participant in the Serail meeting that covered a variety of demands.

Hopes were expressed that Mikati would urgently ask donor nations to increase their contribution to the public education sector, similar to what they do for the displaced. An important decision was made in this regard.

Teachers in the private sector advocated for parity between their retirees and those in the public education sector.

In a statement, the public education unions reiterated their top demands, which include adopting Sayrafa platform for public sector salaries, securing a suitable productivity allowance until salaries and wages are corrected, and increasing the transportation allowance in line with fuel prices.

The unions confirmed the call for a sit-in outside the Ministry of Education on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, students in public schools are concerned that resolutions will be put off and that the academic year will be lost if schools are closed for an extended period.