Abdulnabi Salman Calls for Fair Wages for Kindergarten Teachers

Abdulnabi Salman, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, said that kindergarten teachers are not being treated fairly and are facing neglect by some concerned authorities, especially when it comes to salaries.

Salman said that the wages of Bahraini women working in kindergartens have been ignored for many years, noting that it is unacceptable for such low pay to be given for a stage that is considered the most important in a child’s early development and preparation for school.

He pointed out that some nurseries are taking advantage of the absence of a minimum wage for kindergarten teachers in the Kingdom, offering salaries that do not match current living conditions. He stressed that despite the vital role played by kindergarten teachers, there has been no serious action to improve their pay, even though a union representing the sector has repeatedly called for better wages.

Salman revealed that some kindergarten teachers receive salaries of less than BD150 per month. He said the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Labour, must not accept such low wages for Bahraini women, adding that he has not received any official complaints regarding their salaries.

He also called for setting a minimum wage in the private sector, as kindergartens fall under this category. Salman highlighted the need for clear guidance from both the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education to ensure that kindergarten teachers receive reasonable minimum pay, stressing that awareness and conviction should come before legislation.

Salman said the issue of kindergarten teachers’ wages should be addressed through legislation. He noted that since 2002, many MPs have raised questions and proposals to improve salaries in this important sector, but there has been a lack of seriousness in dealing with the issue. He concluded by saying that lawmakers will continue to demand better wages and improved conditions for kindergarten teachers.