Eğitim Sen: Schools Open Amid Structural Problems and High Costs

The 2026-2027 academic year has begun under the shadow of structural problems and economic crisis. Millions of students and education workers returned to schools, while families faced surging educational expenses.

Eğitim Sen Muğla Branch President Nilüfer Enginsu stated that the education system faces a heavy crisis due to the privatization of public services and the erosion of teachers' rights. She criticized the Ministry of National Education's circular on dress codes, emphasizing that teachers need fair wages rather than uniform regulations.

“Teachers do not need dress code mandates or clothing imposition. A teacher's professional respect is provided through labor, professional autonomy, a humane wage, and secure working conditions.”

Eğitim Sen Trabzon Branch President Muhammet İkinci also criticized the new term, stating that schools open with unresolved issues. İkinci argued that the right to education cannot depend on family income and demanded that all public school needs be covered by the state budget.

Rising costs have placed a heavy financial burden on parents for stationery, bags, uniforms, and shoes. According to the Muğla branch, initial primary school costs range between 6,700 TL and 9,600 TL, middle school costs between 8,800 TL and 12,700 TL, and high school costs between 10,000 TL and 14,700 TL.

Both branches called for free, healthy meals and clean drinking water for all students during school hours. Union representatives stressed that nutritional needs must be treated as a public responsibility rather than a social aid program.