Lebanon's public administration workers started a two-week strike on Monday, calling for urgent action to address their devalued salaries and demand a transport allowance increase.
Public sector employees are paid in the local currency, the Lebanese pound, which has lost about 98 per cent of its value since an economic meltdown began in 2019, resulting in the steep depreciation of salaries.
“The whole of public administration in Lebanon is closed,” Ibrahim Nahal, member of the League of Public Administration Employees told The National.
Workers are demanding an increase in salaries to “live in dignity”, a fair and just transportation stipend and the return of healthcare coverage and social benefits so public workers “don't have to die at the entrance of hospitals”, Mr Nahal said.
The pound's value against the dollar continues to fall amid rapid depletion of Lebanon's central bank reserves.
“The general administration employees are left with only two choices: either death or leaving their job,” the league said.
“Why? The general administration is the pillar and backbone of the public sector, the fundamental corner of the welfare state, the safe haven for citizens.”
In April, Lebanon’s caretaker cabinet raised public sector salaries and the nation's minimum wage in a bid to address growing discontent.
The salaries of public sector workers were increased fourfold, but the increase was capped at 50 million Lebanese pounds (approximately $530) a month.
The cabinet also took steps to address the transportation issue, with costs often exceeding salaries.
The measures were considered disappointing as they were not pegged to the dollar. A volatile exchange rate makes any increase in the local currency almost worthless.
“This is not even enough to cover transportation fees, let alone pay for the food and medication,” Mr Nahal said of the cabinet's measures.
“The actions of the state have left us with no choice but to go on strike.”
The government “exploited” workers “acquiring our efforts, hard work, expertise and qualifications at the lowest prices”, he said.
“It is no longer a secret that the main reason is not the lack of funding, as there are many sources of funding, but they are wasted and misappropriated,” he said.
“It seems that the government is reluctant to reclaim them.”
Protests by civil servants and retired soldiers have become frequent in the country due to worsening living conditions.
Lebanon has experienced month-long strikes, including in public schools, which are facing intermittent closures.
The walkouts have further strained public institutions already reeling from a three-year crisis.
State power only provides a few hours of electricity per day and government hospitals are grappling with shortages of essential medicines.
The Details
Article 15
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What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
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Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
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Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
