Iraq parliamentary bloc endorses amendment to teachers' union law

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc announced on Wednesday its support for a proposed amendment to the Teachers' Union Law, saying the original legislation did not fully recognize teachers' rights. Bloc representatives hosted union officials at a press conference in the Iraqi Parliament to review the law's provisions together. The bloc framed its endorsement as a debt owed to teachers rather than mere political backing. Officials pointed to broader shortcomings in the education system, noting in particular the proliferation of private universities and vocational colleges. Among the proposed measures is the establishment of a development institute aimed at strengthening teachers' scientific and social competence. The bloc also called for adequate financial support, social and material privileges for teachers, and the creation of protection mechanisms for the profession. Officials urged the Ministry of Education to recognize the union as a reference body for teachers, describing it as the soul of the education sector.