Title: Education in the DRC: Teachers protest against salary inequalities
Introduction :
In the Boma sub-division in the Democratic Republic of Congo, teachers took the floor to denounce the wage inequalities that persist in the primary, secondary and technical education sector. Some have seen an increase of 80,000 FC in their salary, while others have seen nothing change. This situation has aroused growing frustration among teachers, who are calling for the suspension of the salary zone system put in place by the supervisory ministry. Faced with the inaction of the authorities, protest actions, such as a strike at the start of the school year, are planned.
Context and problem:
Since the establishment of salary zones, teachers in Boma are paid according to the status of teachers in rural areas, even though Boma is a city recognized by the constitution. This situation creates glaring inequalities between teachers, with differentiated salaries, thus creating deep frustration among the teaching community. Despite numerous protests and denunciations of this situation, the government has not provided concrete solutions, which has led teachers to consider more radical actions to make their voices heard.
Proposed solutions :
Faced with this wage injustice, the Boma teachers’ union has clearly expressed its determination to act. If no adequate solution is proposed by the authorities, they reserve the right to strike at the start of the school year. These protest actions aim to draw attention to wage inequalities and to push the government to review its wage policy, taking into account the real status of Boma as a city and not a rural area.
Conclusion :
Teachers from the Boma sub-division in the DRC have stepped up to denounce the salary inequalities that persist in the education sector. Faced with a salary increase of 80,000 FC for some, and nothing for others, the frustration went up a notch. They demand that their situation be taken into account and that measures be taken to guarantee fair remuneration. If the government does not react quickly, it risks facing a strike at the start of the school year, thus jeopardizing the proper functioning of education in the region