The Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) has temporarily called off its strike action, which had been commenced in protest of the government’s tax policy. Accordingly, the university lecturers will rejoin academic activities from April 17.
The FUTA joined a countrywide one-day strike action led by the trade union collective of professionals on March 15 against the recent tax revision, electricity tariff hike, and several other unpopular decisions made by the incumbent government. Although services returned to normalcy after the token strike was called off the following day, the FUTA decided to continue its trade union action as satisfactory solutions were not provided for their demands.
As a result, the evaluation of 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination papers was delayed by at least 50 days, with parents of the students expressing concerns about the future of their children. However, against this backdrop, FUTA convened a special meeting last night to decide on the A/L exam paper marking process.
The decision to temporarily call off the strike action comes after the FUTA held discussions with the government representatives and secured some of their demands. Therefore, the university lecturers have decided to suspend the strike action and resume academic activities from April 17.
Meanwhile, the Department of Examinations on Monday (10 April) announced that the 2022 GCE Ordinary Level examination, originally scheduled to commence on 15 May, has been postponed by two weeks, to 29 May. The reason behind the postponement is yet to be announced.
This decision by the FUTA has brought some relief to the students and their parents, who were worried about the delay in the evaluation process and the possible impact it could have on the academic progress of the students. The FUTA has assured that they will continue to fight for the rights of the university teachers and ensure that the government fulfills its promises.
