Teachers’ Committee rejects decision to resume studies in Khartoum schools

The Sudanese Teachers’ Committee announced its objection to the decision issued by the de facto authorities in Port Sudan to resume studies in schools in the state of Khartoum, stressing that the decision contravenes labor laws and ignores the difficult conditions facing teachers.

Last Thursday, the so-called Khartoum government decided to resume classes throughout the state and resume the activities of service institutions. In addition to implementing the decision to end the open-ended leave granted to workers due to the ongoing war and resume work starting last Sunday (June 15th), while promptly responding to workers’ requests in accordance with civil service laws.

The Decision Contravenes Labor Laws

The Teachers’ Committee stated in a press release that the teachers aren’t absent from work of their own volition, but were displaced due to the ongoing war that broke out on (April 15th, 2023).

“The individuals working in the Education field in Khartoum have been deprived of salaries for more than a year, which has further exacerbated their suffering. This deprivation has led to the death of some of them from starvation or disease, their displacement, and the loss of their children’s education due to their inability to pay tuition fees,” according to the statement.

The Committee noted that the decision to resume studies contravenes labor laws, which stipulate the need to provide a safe environment, occupational safety, and a commitment to providing salaries. It also violates agreements ratified by the Sudanese government, such as the International Labor Organization.

The Challenges of Resuming Studies

The statement emphasized that resuming studies in schools requires ensuring job security, health safety, basic services, and security.

“Some schools have become cemeteries, without any authority taking measures to transfer the remains and sterilize these schools. Diseases and epidemics, such as cholera, are widespread, with no clear statement from the Ministry of Health indicating the end of this epidemic,” according to the Teachers’ Committee.

The Teachers’ Demands

The Sudanese Teachers’ Committee demanded the payment of salaries, allowances, and salary-related bonuses at fixed amounts that would facilitate teachers’ return.

It emphasized that any action resulting from this decision is invalid and will face resistance at all levels. The Committee went in to reiterate the necessity of providing a safe and secure environment for teachers and students before implementing any decision to resume studies in schools.

In conclusion, the Committee noted that teachers are spread throughout Sudan and abroad, hence, they require the payment of salaries and allowances to facilitate their return.