Protest in Deir ez-Zor rejecting dismissal of employees with disabilities

Today, a number of employees with disabilities, contracted on an annual basis in the Agriculture Directorate, organized a protest in Deir ez-Zor following their dismissal by the ministry, a move that sparked widespread dissatisfaction among workers.

According to sources, the dismissal measures included workers in agricultural nurseries, employees with disabilities, as well as contractors and staff working in wildfire firefighting units, in addition to veterinarians. The measures also included the termination of several officials’ services, the removal of dozens of directors, and their replacement with new administrations described as less experienced.

The protesters staged a sit-in in front of the governorate building, raising demands calling for a reconsideration of the termination decision, stressing that the move directly affects their living conditions amid difficult economic circumstances.

Participants in the protest stated that they were informed of the dismissal decision without sufficient explanations, prompting them to resort to peaceful protest and demand fairness.

They called on the relevant authorities to open dialogue and find solutions that guarantee their employment rights, affirming that they would continue their actions until their demands are met.

The dismissed employees in Deir ez-Zor’s directorates are part of those laid off by the Ministry of Agriculture in the Syrian interim government.

Coinciding with the first of May, International Workers’ Day, and its celebration in recognition of the role of workers in supporting the economy and society, Syria witnessed a wide wave of dismissals affecting hundreds of employees in government institutions. This move comes amid warnings of escalating social and professional repercussions, particularly as the layoffs included persons with disabilities holding official contracts.

In Latakia alone, the Agriculture Directorate terminated the services of around 1,075 contracted employees, according to special sources, at a time coinciding with the official Workers’ Day holiday. This sparked widespread anger among workers, who saw the decision as reflecting a growing trend of reducing labor without clear alternatives.

A-H