Nationwide Protests Erupt in Syria as Sacked Workers Demand Justice

Former Syrian public sector employees, including Ahlam Hassanien, are protesting mass dismissals following regime changes, as the new government pushes for privatization in a struggling economy. Concerns escalate regarding poverty and the negative impact of austerity measures, as nearly 250,000 workers face job loss without due process.

Ahlam Hassanien, a former manager at Syrian Telecom, experienced a sudden upheaval in her life when the new authorities dismissed her along with thousands of other public sector employees after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. This drastic change left her struggling to meet her family’s financial needs while pursuing her studies. “The bank warned me that I need to make my payments. But how can I afford that while also prioritising daily food, my son’s needs, and my final year at university as a law student?” she lamented.

Many employees dismissed without explanation, including those with familial ties to deceased soldiers, voice concerns over their future without substantial compensation. Hassanien noted that her job was a vital source of income and social interaction, revealing its broader impact on her life: “It wasn’t just a job with responsibilities: it was my only source of income, and my social life.”

The reestablishment of the Ba’ath Party’s governance has prompted significant reforms, including plans to privatize the public sector, previously characterized by inefficiency and corruption. The new administration, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, plans to privatize 107 loss-making state-run companies while retaining key infrastructure services.

Economic officials claim that a significant portion of the government workforce comprises ‘ghost employees’, with active numbers dwindling. Meanwhile, former public sector workers are organizing nationwide protests, demanding reinstatement and higher wages, largely using social media to galvanize support.

The mass dismissal of public sector employees in Syria has prompted widespread protests as affected workers rally for reinstatement and fair treatment. The government’s push towards privatization amidst an ongoing economic crisis raises concerns about the potential worsening of poverty among the populace, particularly since 90 percent currently live below the poverty line. The future economic direction under the transitional authority remains uncertain, with calls for greater democratic oversight to ensure accountability and proper resource allocation.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net