Non-academic uni staff to go on strike

20 February 2012 01:30 pm

In the wake of increased fuel prices, non-academic staff of all universities in the country have decided to go on a 48-hour strike this week to urge the government to provide higher wages and benefits.

Non-academic university staff will go on strike on Thursday and Friday this week.

The non-academics had requested for a salary increase last year and met with the Salary Cadre Commission on February 2 to discuss a proposal to increase wages.

The Executive Officers, Academic Sub-ordinary and University Executive Staff Union Joint Committee said today that during the discussions the commission had assured the union that it would compile a report in 14 days to address their grievances. However no action had yet been taken, the union’s Co-President R.M Chandrapala said.

“Unlike other government employees we are not entitled to any government benefits. We are not entitled to pension schemes, a Rs.1 million housing loan or a insurance scheme although they are enjoyed by other government employees,” Chandrapala.

He said in addition to a wage increment, non-academic university staff would demand for these benefits including a 25% additional allowance. “The increased fuel prices have resulted in an increase in water, electricity, transport and food costs and are directly affecting us all. Therefore it is imperative that the government meets our demands,” he said. (Olindhi Jayasundere)