Around 400 teachers of the International Indian School, Riyadh (IISR) boycotted classes Monday in protest against the prolonged indecision by the school management on salary increments. The teachers of both sections of the school (boys and girls) came out of classes before the closing time of the school on Monday. At least two consecutive classes were lost due to the teachers strike. “We approached the principal's offices in the respective buildings and lodged a strong protest against the school management that has, for the past one year, failed to deliver on its promises of introducing basic salary increments,” said a teacher requesting anonymity. However, A. Imthias, newly appointed MC Chairman, said the teachers approached the principal's office in recess time “and the teachers' protest should not be taken as a boycott of work.” He said the MC under him would not recognize the parents' grievances committee, which was set up at the behest of M.J. Siddiqui to resolve the long pending teachers' demand for an increase in salary. “I cannot accept the formation of the grievances committee, which Siddiqui set up a few months ago. How can an employee of the school take management decisions?” he asked indicating a rift with Principal Siddiqui, whom he said would not be in a position to order a teachers' committee to study a salary hike. He said he has called an emergency meeting of the MC members to discuss the teachers' issue. Considering the teachers plight, he said the MC has recently granted an increase in their salary. However, the teachers said the MC granted a very nominal increase that ranged between SR50 and SR100, based on the school sections, such as, primary, middle and secondary. Imthias said a decision would be taken after discussing the issue with the MC's finance subcommittee. The teachers grievances committee, although defunct, has presented its proposal to the MC, which will also be taken into consideration before a final recommendation is made to the Higher Board, he said. Parents are expressing their concern over the unrest among teachers. They pointed out that the 1st term examination is hardly a month away and a large portion of the syllabus still remains to be completed. The school management should take prompt action to avoid any further loss of teaching time, they said.
