In the wake of the strike launched by the university non-academic staff unions, which has continued for about a month, the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) sought active Government intervention to resolve the ongoing strike, claiming that the authorities should pay much attention to the matter that directly affects the undergraduates’ future.
The continuous strike started by the unions of the university non-academic staff on 2 May, demands solutions for existing disparities in the salaries of university non-academic staff and the receipt of a monthly compensation allowance. According to the Joint Committee of University Trade Unions of Non-Academic Staff, about 13,000 non-academic staffers have withdrawn from all services since 2 May.
When contacted, the FUTA Chairperson Prof. Barana Jayawardana told The Daily Morning yesterday (30) that while academic activities are functioning almost without any obstruction in all the State universities, it has been difficult for academics to manage the overall process without the support of the non-academic staff. He also noted that even exams are being held in certain universities, such as the University of the Visual and Performing Arts where the assistance of non-academic staff is not required.
“The academic staff is making every possible effort to continue academic activities without causing any inconvenience to the undergraduates. We conduct online lectures as much as possible. Some examinations and clinical training given to medical students are functioning smoothly, as the non-academics' assistance is not necessary for those,” he added.
Speaking further, Prof. Jayawardana urged the Government to take measures to immediately provide the strikers with solutions, as this matter would unnecessarily extend the academic lives of the students. He said that the FUTA has requested the relevant authorities several times in this regard, stating that the serious attention of the education administrators has to be paid to the matter.
However, a union leader attached to the non-academic unions told The Daily Morning that they would not call off the strike until they are given proper solutions for their demands.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the University Grants Commission Chairperson Prof. Sampath Amaratunge called on the striking non-academic staff to return to work to facilitate the start of academic activities. Prof. Amaratunge said that the ongoing strike is delaying the graduation of approximately 150,000 students.
Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha was not available for comment.