State Uni. non-academic staff still to start work
View(s):Despite over 15,000 non-academic staff of State universities agreeing to end their month-long strike, following an agreement with the Higher Education authorities, academic activities have not returned to normal. At a meeting held between Higher Education Minister Kabir Hashim and the University Trade Union Joint Federation (UTUJF) this week it was agreed to increase the Monthly Compensatory Allowance (MCA) by 10%.
UTUJF Secretary Dhammika S. Priyantha told Education Times that, though they agreed to end the strike, they will not report to work until the agreement is formalised by a circular. “The Minister agreed to increase the MCA by 10% with effect from January 1 this year, and that, an independent committee will be appointed to look into other demands such as increase in Property Loan amounts and Regulated Pensions,” he said.
He said, 15,600 non-academic staff ranging from registrars, to bursars, laboratory assistants, accounting staff, clerks to labourers, from 15 State universities and postgraduate institutes will stay away from duties until the agreement is formalised through a circular. “We were on strike from February 28 and it had a huge impact on the State universities. Although we expected over 15% for the MCA, we are ready to settle for 10%,” he added. -NF