Following the dismissal of thousands of state employees in Syria, former workers, led by Ahlam Hassanien, have united for nationwide protests. The new government aims to privatize many state-run services, facing backlash from citizens reliant on public sector jobs and support. Demonstrations highlight demands for reinstatement, increased salaries, and accountability for corruption amid growing poverty levels.
In Syria, former public sector employees, including Ahlam Hassanien, have organized nationwide protests following mass firings by the new government. Hassanien, who worked for the state-run Syrian Telecom, lost her job abruptly despite her long tenure, crippling her financial stability and prospects. With no compensation and growing competition in the private sector, she faces a bleak future as a law student and single parent.
The new Syrian administration, which succeeded President Bashar al-Assad, aims to diminish the public sector’s role in favor of privatization. Despite acknowledging the widespread corruption and inefficiency attributed to the previous regime, government officials assert that only 550,000 to 600,000 workers are necessary for an effective public sector.
In response, sacked employees are mobilizing and leveraging social media to form unions for their cause. Their banner organization, Democratic Change Workers (DCW), has issued demands for reinstatement and better salaries while firmly opposing privatization, stressing the necessity of state support for vulnerable populations dependent on essential services.
The economic situation remains dire, with 90% of Syrians living in poverty and reduced state services amid ongoing infrastructure damage. Critics, including academic Joseph Daher, argue that privatization could exacerbate the socioeconomic crisis while broader audits of state employment and subsidy impacts are warranted.
Protests are further fueled by widespread firings across various sectors, including healthcare, where many medical workers have also lost their positions. The DCW and other protest groups are demanding transparency regarding firings and accountability from corrupt officials. With estimates of up to 250,000 workers dismissed, unrest is expected to grow as these individuals challenge the government’s authority and legitimacy to make significant economic decisions amidst transition.
The ongoing protests by dismissed Syrian workers highlight significant concerns regarding the government’s labor policies and economic direction. As public sector employees demand reinstatement and improved working conditions, the broader implications of privatization on social services remain a focal point of contention. The precarious situation of these workers, coupled with the precarious economic landscape, indicates continued unrest as the struggle for rightful employment and societal stability unfolds.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
