January 30, 2025 – A delegation from the leadership of the National Alliance, including Karzan Abdulrahman, Ata Abdullah, Bekhal Saber, Bakhtiar Gharib, Goran Nergiz, and Said Salah, visited the striking teachers and public employees in Sulaymaniyah, who have been on strike for several days in protest of unpaid wages. The strikers’ primary demand is the timely payment of their December 2024 and January 2025 salaries, along with assurances that future payments will be made promptly. The workers, in an act of protest, have established tents, gone on strike, and refused food.

This demonstration is a direct result of government negligence and a lack of accountability in addressing the employees’ rightful grievances.

The delegation expressed grave concern about the deteriorating living conditions of teachers, public sector workers, and wage earners throughout the Kurdistan Region. They stressed that both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government in Baghdad must take full responsibility for the financial crisis affecting the people.

In addition, the National Alliance of Teachers and Employees, along with its political leadership, including Karzan Luqman, President of the Alliance, fully supports the protesters. They urge both the KRG and the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to resolve the salary crisis, particularly as harsh winter conditions put the health and safety of the striking employees at severe risk.

This version is more concise, uses more formal language, and presents the information clearly and effectively.

Report: Visit of the National Alliance Delegation to the Striking Workers in Sulaymaniyah

Report Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction:

On January 30, 2025, a delegation from the National Alliance of Teachers and Public Sector Employees visited Sulaymaniyah to meet with the teachers and public sector employees who have been on strike for several days. These employees, who set up tents and are refusing food, are demanding the timely payment of their salaries for December 2024 and January 2025. This strike is a direct result of the government’s failure to address the critical financial issues faced by public sector workers in the Kurdistan Region.

Delegation Details:

The delegation included several prominent figures from the leadership of the National Alliance, including:

• Karzan Abdulrahman

• Ata Abdullah

• Bekhal Saber

• Bakhtiar Gharib

• Goran Nergiz

• Said Salah

These leaders met with the protesting workers to express their solidarity and understand the salary crisis that has been negatively affecting public employees.

Main Demands:

The primary demand from the striking workers is the timely payment of the overdue salaries, especially those for December 2024 and January 2025. Additionally, they are requesting assurance that future salaries will be paid on time without delays.

The government’s failure to address these issues has resulted in deteriorating living conditions for employees, worsening their financial difficulties.

Government Responsibility:

The National Alliance delegation emphasized that both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government in Baghdad must take full responsibility for the ongoing financial crisis. The government’s failure to issue salaries on time is a direct result of poor governance and neglect of pressing economic issues.

Impact on Public Sector Employees:

The situation has become even more dire due to the harsh winter conditions, which are negatively affecting the health and well-being of the striking workers. Many are suffering from a lack of food and proper shelter during the protest. The National Alliance delegation expressed deep concern over the workers’ well-being and highlighted the urgent need for government action to resolve the crisis.

Solidarity and Action:

The National Alliance of Teachers and Employees, under the leadership of Karzan Luqman, has expressed full solidarity with the striking workers. They have called on both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government to take immediate and serious actions to resolve the salary crisis, especially given the severe winter conditions that are putting the health and safety of workers at risk.

In a public statement, Karzan Luqman stressed the importance of swift government intervention to ensure the timely payment of salaries and called for the prioritization of public sector workers’ well-being in these difficult circumstances.

Conclusion:

The National Alliance of Teachers and Public Sector Employees remains steadfast in its support for the workers on strike in Sulaymaniyah. It is clear that the government’s failure to address critical financial issues affecting public sector employees is creating a humanitarian crisis. Immediate action is required to resolve the salary dispute and ensure that the basic rights of public sector workers are respected.

Recommendations:

1. Immediate payment of overdue salaries for December 2024 and January 2025.

2. Long-term assurances for the timely payment of future salaries.

3. Strengthening accountability and transparency within the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government regarding the management of public funds.

4. Urgent action to address health and safety concerns for striking workers during the protest.

Prepared by:

Dr.Kyle Dean Hadi

 February 1, 2025

This report is formally structured and covers the main aspects of the situation, the delegation visit, and the urgent need for government intervention to resolve the crisis.