Teachers' Union Sets Election Dates and Demands Payment of Dues

The executive council of the Teachers' Union convened a meeting attended by branch heads to discuss urgent union and educational issues. They established dates for the upcoming union elections, with the first round set for 6/12/2026 and a second round for 13/12/2026, open to all attendees. The deadline for membership registration and renewal was fixed for two months before the election, on 6/10/2026, while the candidacy registration closes three days before the first round, on 3/12/2026. The council decided to send a letter to the Ministry of Labor requesting supervision of the election process to ensure its proper conduct and transparency in accordance with legal procedures.

Additionally, the council approved organizing a training course in cooperation with the Lebanese Training Center. The course will cover union work, women's empowerment, and enhancing female participation in union bodies. The council also discussed the women's quota and activating the work of delegate councils within the Teachers' Union to contribute to the development of union work and broaden participation.

In a statement, the council affirmed that any school that closed its doors due to war or economic conditions remains legally obligated to pay the basic compensation to teachers based on their last salary, regardless of the amount. Acknowledging the difficult economic and security circumstances, the council emphasized its current focus on ensuring the payment of basic compensation without demanding additional compensation at this stage.

The union continues to address these issues either through direct dialogue with school administrations or by resorting to the judiciary when rights are withheld. It is prepared to take all necessary legal measures, including seizing school assets, to protect teachers' rights.

The council expressed strong surprise at the continued deprivation of hundreds of teachers from their compensations despite the passage of more than ten months. This delay is attributed to the Compensation Fund's board halting decisions on claims, citing the need to await actuarial studies concerning the fund's future. The council described this situation as unacceptable, stating that teachers cannot remain without any entitlements or even financial advances to help them cope with living expenses after such a prolonged wait.

Furthermore, the council called on the Compensation Fund's board to urgently resolve this issue and disburse the due payments to teachers. It warned that the union would be compelled to take appropriate union and legal actions if the delay persists.