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In a landmark victory for educators across Iraq, the Iraqi Teachers’ Union (ITU) has successfully led a nationwide strike, resulting in significant policy changes that benefit teachers and the education sector. This mobilization, following the national launch of the Education International (EI) Go Public! Fund Education campaign in 2024, led to substantial policy reforms including salary increases, land distribution, and progress on the Teacher Protection Law.

The strike’s demands

Over 1.2 million educators across Iraq took to the streets demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and increased financial allowances. Teachers' salaries in the country remain among the lowest compared to other public sectors, prompting many educators to seek additional jobs to supplement their income amid rising living costs.

The strike, led by the Coordinating Committee for Teachers, called for the inclusion of educators under a new educational service law, like the existing legislation benefiting university professors. The committee also demanded increased financial allowances covering cost-of-living, professional expenses, transportation, and child support.

Voices from the frontlines

“The demands presented are legitimate,” said Abu al-Ghaith, a retired educator from Baghdad. “For years, we heard promises of support, yet conditions have worsened. Patience has run out, and these demands reflect genuine needs. Some teachers on contracts haven't been paid for nearly two years, while others receive only 300,000 Iraqi dinars (nearly $200) per month. This is insufficient under current economic conditions. Teachers, particularly in rural and remote areas, often spend more than they receive in allowances,” he added.

Sami Majid al-Tamimi, another retired educational supervisor, echoed the sentiment, describing the demands as fair. “This is truly a legitimate demand. Teachers are marginalized with no allowances, risk compensation, or housing support. Since the 1980s, no new residential area has been dedicated to educators. I retired after 36 years of service without receiving any land or significant benefits. Teachers earn only 300,000 dinars (around $229), while other ministries pay their employees millions. Teachers have become cheap commodities,” he said.

Governmental response

The strike significantly disrupted school operations nationwide, leaving classrooms largely empty as teachers adhered to the call for industrial action. In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced an initial measure to allocate residential lots to educators. However, teachers and union representatives found that this step alone would sufficiently address their broader grievances.

Education Minister Ibrahim Namis al-Jabouri, union representatives headed by ITU General Secretary Ouday al Issawi, and Hamid Naeem al-Ghazi, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, held a meeting in the beginning of April 2025 to review the concerns raised by teachers.

Moving forwards on the Teacher Protection Law

ITU achieved major milestones particularly in securing salary increases and allowances, making progress towards the adoption of the Teacher Protection Law, gaining land rights for teachers, and massively mobilizing educators in the historic strike. While some structural reforms and funding goals are still in progress, the union has effectively leveraged political timing (elections in November 2025) and international momentum and training (Go Public! campaign) to maximize impact.

The Teacher Protection Law, a central demand in the nationwide teacher protests, aims to safeguard the rights, dignity, and working conditions of educators. It draws heavily on the UN recommendations on the teaching profession providing for legal safeguards against harassment and abuse, clear disciplinary procedures, job security, and support during protests or strikes. The law would formally recognize teachers as essential public servants, deserving of respect and legal protection like other civil servants. The Ministry of Education would be responsible for enforcing the law, with oversight from a dedicated committee or ombudsman to handle violations.

ITU continues to advocate for improved working conditions and increased funding for education. The union's strategic objective is to create a more supportive and well-funded educational environment for teachers, ultimately benefiting Iraq’s public education system.

The union remains committed to ensuring that every teacher is valued, supported, and equipped to help shape a brighter future for all. The recent developments mark a significant step towards achieving this goal and highlight the power of collective action in driving meaningful change towards quality public inclusive education.