Iran teachers and nurses face economic crisis and repression

Public sector workers in Iran, particularly teachers and nurses, are facing severe economic and professional crises. A widening gap between stagnant wages and the rising cost of living has triggered a wave of resignations and workforce burnout. For example, some nurses have opted to stay home because their monthly salaries, averaging approximately 250 to 280 million rials, are insufficient to cover basic expenses amidst high inflation.

In addition to economic hardship, educators are facing significant legal and administrative repression. Reports indicate that dozens of teachers and trade-union activists have been subjected to arrests, imprisonment, and various employment sanctions. These sanctions include dismissal, suspension, forced retirement, and salary deductions. Charges such as “propaganda against the system” and “disrupting public order” have been used against those involved in union activities or expressing critical views.

Human rights organizations and teacher coordination councils emphasize that the current state of public education is critical due to staff shortages, class overcrowding, and the erosion of professional dignity. They argue that a stable educational system cannot be built on a foundation of economic insecurity and political suppression.