Private schools in Jordan have blackmailed teachers to pressure them into disregarding owed wages and waiving their rights, a government investigation has discovered.

Teachers have been forced to sign documents similar to cheques that act as financial guarantees for schools; should a teacher demand owed wages or better terms during contract renewals, the school could threaten to cash in the signed cheque.

Spokesman for the Ministry of Labour (MoL), Ayman Al-Zyoud, said this is considered forced labour, in addition to being a blatant violation of international agreements.

The MoL’s investigation has so far found 900 cheques and returned them to the relevant teachers in the presence of schools’ administrations.

Schools have until Wednesday to ensure all cheques are returned before legal action is taken against them.

Legal measures will be implemented against any school that repeats the action. They could include the closure and withdrawal of licenses.

An inspection campaign was launched by the MoL in response to a number of complaints. Investigations are continuing.