Sacked public sector workers in Syria are staging nationwide protests after mass dismissals following the transition of power from President Bashar al-Assad’s administration. The new government plans to privatize state-controlled industries, raising fears among citizens reliant on public services as 90% of the population lives in poverty. Groups like Democratic Change Workers are organizing demands for reinstatement and rejecting privatization efforts, citing the importance of state support in daily life. The economic landscape remains volatile, with calls for democratic participation in decision-making for the recovery ahead.
Following the recent transition of power in Syria, sacked workers, particularly from the public sector, have initiated nationwide protests. Ahlam Hassanien, a former manager at Syrian Telecom, shared her struggles after being dismissed, emphasizing the emotional toll and financial instability caused by her job loss. Despite her meager monthly salary of $30, she relied on her position to support her son and continue her education, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the government’s actions on individual lives.
The situation reflects a broader trend, as thousands of government workers have been dismissed since President Bashar al-Assad’s administration fell in late December. Many of these employees, including Hassanien, express deep concern over their lack of compensation and the uncertain future of employment in a privatized economy, which the current authorities plan to enforce to combat corruption and economic mismanagement.
The new government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, has outlined plans for privatization of state-run companies and a shift towards a competitive market economy. However, this strategy has met with resistance from public sector employees and citizens who argue that privatization will exacerbate poverty, noting that 90% of Syrians currently live in poverty.
Opposition to these reforms is organizing through groups like Democratic Change Workers (DCW), who have issued demands for reinstatement and better wages. Their statement highlighted the crucial role the public sector plays in supporting the impoverished population, as many depend on state services for basic needs. They are prepared to escalate their protests in the face of privatization efforts.
Syria’s economic landscape shows overwhelming reliance on state-led entities, although corruption and inefficiency had been persistent issues. Critics point out the negative consequences of neoliberal reforms, including austerity measures that threaten to inadequately support the existing populace. Economists emphasize the need for a public audit on employment practices and economic policies before any further changes.
Reports from organizations such as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) emphasize the scale of redundancies, including over 350 medical workers and other professionals, highlighting significant unrest among various sectors. Advocates for the sacked employees are preparing legal actions against the dismissals, arguing that they contradict established labor laws.
The dialogue surrounding these events underscores a precarious economic future for Syria. Experts advocate for enhancing democratic participation in economic decision-making processes, cautioning against elitist frameworks that fail to consider the needs of the population. The urgency for a clear and accountable governmental structure that addresses the welfare of displaced workers and the economic realities of the citizens is paramount as the country navigates this transitional phase.
The recent mass firings of public sector employees in Syria have ignited significant protests across the country, with affected workers advocating for reinstatement and better salaries. The new government’s plans for privatization and a neoliberal economic shift are met with skepticism, particularly given the existing high levels of poverty and public dependency on state support. Organizations like Democratic Change Workers are actively opposing these reforms, arguing both for employees’ rights and the continuity of essential state services. The overall economic environment is marked by urgency, calling for a more inclusive approach to policy-making that prioritizes the needs of the populace amidst sweeping changes.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
