MONROVIA – The University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) has announced the disengagement of its members from all academic activities citing six (6) grievances against the UL Administration.
By Blamo N. Toe, Contributing Writer
This significant decision follows the ongoing online registration of students at the state-run university in preparation for the upcoming academic semester.
Over the weekend, at the Capitol Hill campus of the University of Liberia in Monrovia, more than 300 members of ULFASA convened for an emergency General Assembly. They collectively decided to disengage from classes.
In a resolution obtained by this media institution, the association outlined their demands, including payment of part-time faculty members in United States Dollars as per their contracts or the Liberian Dollars equivalent at the prevailing Central Bank of Liberia rate, rather than the UL self-determined rate.
They also demand reimbursement for the difference between the UL self-determined rate and the Central Bank of Liberia rate, which was approved for payment in December 2023.
Furthermore, ULFASA insists on the full refund of deductions not remitted to ACTIVA Insurance for over three (3) months.
The association asserts that its members will refrain from returning to the classroom until the university administration takes visible actions to address salary disparities among staff.
They stress the need for President Julius Sarwolo Nelson to fulfill overdue promises regarding faculty promotion and tenure, particularly those promised to be completed within two weeks as of February 8, 2024.
Additionally, ULFASA calls for transportation provisions for Faculty and Staff Members of the STRAZ Sinje College campus in Bomi County before the upcoming semester.
The resolution also highlights concerns about bathroom sanitation issues on campuses and the academic environment in the Academic Building (AB Building) in Fendell.
Prior to this collective decision, ULFA President Dr. Edna Johnny briefed the General Assembly on the historical context of delayed part-time faculties’ salaries and missteps in contract processing.
ULSA executives, after failed negotiations with the UL Administration to address salary disparities, noted no concrete actions taken by the University Authority.
The background of their action includes UL’s failure to transmit four (4) months of contributions to ACTIVA Insurance, leading to service suspension. ULFASA members also lamented over the UL Authority’s failure to remit dues and deductions.
The UL administration’s consistent delays in faculty promotion implementation were also cited, despite commitments made over a year ago.
In conclusion, the resolution, assembled on February 23, 2024, by members of ULFASA, unanimously resolves not to engage in any academic activities until their conditions are met.
