INTERNATIONAL solidarity is needed to fight the assault on teachers’ pay and conditions around the world, union delegates heard while commending the bravery of a jailed Iranian teacher.

Teachers at the NASUWT conference today paid tribute to Esmail Abdi, leader of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association (ITTA), for his work leading teachers’ demands for better pay and improved conditions for public servants.

Mr Abdi, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence in Tehran for his activism, was awarded NASUWT’s international solidarity award for his efforts to ensure Iranian teachers are treated fairly.