Several political parties have issued press releases expressing their solidarity with the striking teachers. The problem began after the Executive failed to keep its promises to the teachers and refused to implement the Civil Service Law, despite that fact that it was approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council and the head of the executive authority several months ago. Instead of enforcing the law, stopping the policy of arbitrary cuts in teachers already low salaries, offering them the increments they deserve, connecting their salaries to the costs of living standards and allow them to practice their civil rights, the executive has frozen this law and cut teachers salaries. It has also refused to tie the salaries to the cost of living. In reaction, the teachers declared a series of strikes and protest campaigns.
Public opinion is in their favour.
LAW believes that the time has come to give teachers their rights by implementing the Civil Service Law. LAW would like to express its solidarity with the teachers and their demands. 5- Assure the teachers freedom to practice their civil activities and their freedom of expression. On 22 February 2000, LAW wrote to the Deputy Education Minister, Naim Abul Houmus, asking him to investigate the dismissals and withdraw the punitive measures against some of the teachers. We have not yet received any response.