By Ellen Samura
The Union of Academic Staff Associations (UASA) took a bold step last Friday by commencing an industrial action, a move that has sent shockwaves down the education sector in the country. This decision was reached after all efforts to engage the government to address welfare issues of academic staff in public universities and polytechnics yielded no concrete results.
The industrial action, which began so sudden, was communicated through a correspondence signed by UASA President Dr. Brima Gegbe. In the correspondence, Dr. Gegbe instructed all academic staff in public universities and polytechnics to immediately withhold their services until the government fulfils their immediate demands. These demands include the payment of severance benefits, the settlement of backlog for promoted staff, and the revision of rent and medical allowances.
Dr. Gegbe said they were frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations that began in August last year, saying the authorities have failed to demonstrate a genuine commitment to address the welfare concerns of academic staff.
The UASA president emphasised that the industrial action was a last resort after exhausting all available channels for dialogue and negotiation. He called on the government to take immediate steps to resolve the issues raised by the union and ensure the resumption of normal academic activities in public universities and polytechnics.
The industrial action by UASA has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some have expressed support for the union’s stance, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on students and the education sector as a whole.
By this time the government has not issued any statement. However, some stakeholders have appealed to the union to reconsider its decision and return to the negotiation table in the interest of all parties involved.
As the industrial action continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the government will take concrete steps to address the demands of UASA. The outcome of this standoff will have significant implications for the welfare of academic staff, the quality of education in public universities and polytechnics, and the overall development of the country’s human capital.
