FUTA urges Govt’s intervention to resolve univ. staff demands

The Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) yesterday urged the government to immediately intervene into the work stoppage carried out by the non-academic staff of state universities and provide them with a reasonable solution to their issues.

The University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) vowed to continue their work stoppage further in the absence of a positive response from the authorities regarding their demands including a salary hike.

FUTA Secretary Prof. Arjuna Parakrama told a news conference that the government should be held responsible for the issue created in the state university system following the said work stoppage.

“As a result, 15 State universities and other institutions under the University Grants Commission (UGC) are at a standstill for the 16th consecutive day as at yesterday,” he said.

As a result, 15 State universities and other institutions under the University Grants Commission (UGC) are at a standstill for the 16th consecutive day as at yesterday

He said the issues related to this non-academic staff of the State universities were continuing for a long time and added that the government was intentionally avoiding to provide a reasonable solution for their demands.

He also said the UGC and the Higher Education Ministry should immediately intervene in this issues and the only way to sort out this matter was to have a discussion with these nonacademics.

“The government’s passive response to this issue was not accidental, it is a part of a much planned conspiracy, in order to devaluate the State university system,” he said.