THE recent coronavirus pandemic resulted in an unprecedented lockdown throughout the world. In Pakistan, the lockdown led to millions of people either being rendered jobless or who did not receive salaries for months. In some instances employees were not paid for six months! The employees teaching at private schools are one such segment.

When private schools reopened, a ray of hope emerged among these unfortunate employees. Alas what ensued resulted in more anger and angst among teachers.

The managements of many private schools have flatly refused to pay stating that schools have incurred losses as they have not received the full amount of fees. This is far from the truth. Most schools have increased their tuition fee and have even sent fee challans for the previous months.

The owners are misusing their authority stating that if any employee demanded salaries of the previous months, their services would be terminated. Teachers, especially the bread-winners of their families, are finding it difficult to make ends meet in these circumstances.

Shazieh Barkatullah
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2020