RIYADH: More than 600 teachers and administrative staff of the International Indian School Riyadh (IISR) are protesting against the school management for denying them a promised pay hike.
The protest, which is still continuing, began last Wednesday after the managing committee members refused the pledged raise at a meeting with teachers at the school.
"We are now seeking support from the Ministry of Education and the parents in our fight," said a teacher. "The school has made a mockery of the teachers by giving an increment of SR50 per month," said the teacher.
"The teachers have already started a signature campaign, while a delegation of teachers might go to the Ministry of Education to submit their demands before the closure of the school," a teacher, who did not wished to be named, said.
"This committee including the principal must realize the teachers' plight with inflation in Saudi Arabia coupled with high rental prices and erosion of earnings in currency exchange," said M.Z. Arefin, a parent.
Addressing the teachers, IISR Vice Chairman Dr. Mohana and another member Chandrasekhran Nair tried to calm down the teachers.
Nair said: "The school will not be able to increase salaries, but the management will look into the demands at a later stage."
A teacher also questioned as to how come Dr. Mohana was declared the winner of a car at a fun fair raffle draw held a few weeks back. The teachers are demanding that Dr. Mohana return the car and the money be used to benefit poor boys and girls.
