Authorities had not made any attempt to resolve Uni. non-academic strike: UTAJU

9 April 2018 12:55 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Higher Education Ministry(HEM) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) had not made any substantial attempt to resolve month long non-academic strike leading the entire university system in the country to a standstill, University Teachers’ Association of Jayewardenepura University (UTAJU) said.

In a statement issued by the union had expressed its strong displeasure towards the related authorities for its inefficiency towards resolving the matter.

Union President Dr. Naleen Ganegoda said that the strike had severely affected regular academic and research activities at all universities.

“Obviously, this situation in universities has been brought about by certain nonsensical agreements, either the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Finance or the University Grants Commission has haphazardly made with non-academic unions from time to time.

“Examples include (a) an agreement to pay a compensatory allowance for the non-academic staff at a time when the academic staff received an increase in their allowances, and (b) a written assurance given to non-academic unions that if any increase is made in salaries or allowances in the university system in the future, it requires a common consensus among different parties.

“We strongly object to the fact that these agreements had been made in the absence of any union representation on the part of the university academics.

“Even though we respect the right any trade union has to fight for their demands, our membership strongly oppose the use of the academic allowance as a benchmark to justify their demands. This is because the academic allowance was introduced for academics in the university system to address several issues associated with recruiting and retaining individuals with higher academic and professional qualifications.

“As a solution to these salary-related issues that can emerge in the university system from time to time, we feel that a ‘special category’ should be established for university academics. Despite the fact that many discussions have taken place in this regard both at trade union levels and with the government, unfortunately, the establishment of a special category has not been materialized yet. We would like to remind the government and our fellow sister unions that it is high time we act together to make this a reality.” It added. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 11

Ajith Monday, 09 April 2018 01:31 AM

Authorities did not tell you to strike. Please go and discuss the solutions/collective bargain.

Ram Monday, 09 April 2018 02:20 AM

They are busy celebrating the Avurudu for the Politicos and the affluent in Colombo. No time to attend to burning needs

kumudu Monday, 09 April 2018 02:30 AM

This is the best way to neutralize the students protest.

RDF Monday, 09 April 2018 05:18 AM

This sounds like a warning these academics would be going on a strike if the non-academic demands are made.What a country its strikes and protests. No hope for progress.

Kumara Dharmarathne Monday, 09 April 2018 07:16 AM

President/PM, Please treat this matter as very urgent as University Non academic staff is equally important as other categories in a university. As it seems it has taken too long to resolve matter. Please don't make this issue as SAITM.

ANTON Monday, 09 April 2018 07:17 AM

BECAUSE, THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE NON ACADEMIC STAFF LIKE COOKS AND CLEANERS IN THE PARLIAMENT....... JUST SHUT YOUR BLESSED MOUTHS AND GET TO WORK.

Cisco Monday, 09 April 2018 08:09 AM

Current regime has more issue on their survival. They are struggling with day to day issues. Long lasting solution that trade union proposes does not matter for them.

lkboy Monday, 09 April 2018 09:38 AM

The politicians don't care about the common people.

Lord Wolfstein Monday, 09 April 2018 11:12 AM

The entire pay system for government servants is obsolete and always leads to an unending spiral of demands.All allowances should abolished.A wage system must be created which is valid for all government servants from a ministry down to the smallest LG body including government institutions such as BOC, Sathosa, CEB, Railways and others. Same salary for same kind of work. It can not be, for example, that the driver of a minister's car earns more than the driver of a garbage truck.

sergie Monday, 09 April 2018 11:56 AM

Don't resolve it. Striking has become a fad. Let them face the festive season. Without any money.

Jagath Leanage Monday, 09 April 2018 05:46 PM

Close all the universities and ask students to fly kites .

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Authorities had not made any attempt to resolve Uni. non-academic strike: UTAJU

Comments - 11

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