22 April

On 21 April, the Palestinian Authority arrested over 30 teachers who are leaders of the week and a half old strike demanding better wages and conditions.

For the past several months teachers have been demanding a better pension plan and a 100% increase in their salaries, which now averages about $300 a month. Unsatisfied with the modest 10% increase granted by the Palestinian Authority, and defiant of the Authority’s threat to fire the leaders of the teachers’ union, on 3 April the teachers made the decision to strike. In response, the PA suspended 19 teachers for their role in organizing the labor union. At this time, teachers throughout the West Bank stopped classes and went on strike.

According to LAW’s information, yesterday the PA arrested at least 24 teachers from the West Bank.

LAW - the Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment points out that teachers and all laborers have the right to union activity and to organize to demand better wages and working conditions. In addition, arresting and imprisoning teachers for labor union activities violates international law, particularly Article 8 of the International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 under which union activity is protected.

LAW - The Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment is a non-governmental organization, dedicated to preserving human rights through legal advocacy. LAW is also an affiliate member of the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights.