02.02.2026 15:53
Turkish teachers at the Italian High School in Istanbul went on strike due to the salary and status differences between them and foreign teachers. The strike, which was held with the demand for "equal pay for equal work," emphasized that Turkish teachers earn about 6 times less than their foreign counterparts.
Turkish teachers working at the Private Istanbul Italian High School in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, went on strike due to inequalities in salaries and working conditions. The claim that foreign teachers are paid around 300,000 TL while Turkish teachers receive an average of 65,000 TL became the focus of protests.
PRESS RELEASE UNDER THE RAIN
Teachers gathered in front of the school under the leadership of the Tez Koop İş Union and made a press statement in heavy rain. After the statement, the teachers danced the halay and distributed lokma.
"WE ARE HERE TO DEFEND OUR PROFESSIONAL HONOR"
The press statement was made on behalf of the teachers by Selahattin Karakurt, the President of the Tez Koop İş Union Istanbul Branch No. 5. Emphasizing that the strike is not just a salary issue, Karakurt said, "We are here not only for wages but to defend our violated professional honor. The management's indifference has reached its limit; the final word will be spoken by the strike."
REGISTRATION FEES INCREASED BY 300 PERCENT BUT...
Karakurt stated that the union has been negotiating for a solution for about two months, but the school administration has not returned to the table since December 10. He mentioned that despite having the same teaching load and academic responsibilities, Turkish teachers receive salaries up to six times lower compared to Italian teachers, and that school fees have increased by approximately 300 percent in euros over the last four years, while teacher salaries have only been raised by about 30 percent.
The teachers declared that they are determined to continue the strike until their demands are met.