Title: Cameroonian university teachers begin an indefinite strike to demand payment of their special bonus
Introduction :
In Cameroon, the higher education sector is facing a new crisis as the main union of state university teachers has called for an indefinite strike starting October 16, 2023. The teachers’ mobilization revolves around the improvement of their working conditions, with at the top of the list the demand for payment without delay of the third tranche of the special research modernization bonus. Focus on the reasons and issues of this strike.
The reasons for the strike:
The National Union of Higher Education Teachers (Synes) highlighted the delay in the payment of the special research modernization bonus, established in 2009. This bonus, the result of negotiations between teachers and the government, aims to support and to promote research within Cameroonian universities. However, many teachers have still not received this bonus, causing widespread discontent.
The urgency of the situation:
Despite an agreement made a month earlier with the government setting a deadline of October 15 for the payment of this bonus, only 30% of teachers were paid out of a total number of around 6,000 active teachers. This situation increased the discontent of teachers and led to the call for an indefinite strike.
The demands of the National Union of Higher Education Teachers:
In addition to the payment of the special bonus, Synes also requests more transparency on the current state of academic debt and calls for the establishment of a short-term payment schedule. Teachers wish to obtain guarantees regarding the punctual payment of their salaries and bonuses in order to be able to carry out their profession in a calm and efficient manner.
The consequences of the strike:
This indefinite strike by state university teachers risks causing major disruption to the operation of classes and academic activities. While lecture halls have just reopened for the new academic year, they could close abruptly, leaving students without classes and jeopardizing their academic progress. Furthermore, this situation is added to the strikes already underway in primary and secondary education, which is creating a major educational crisis in Cameroon.
Conclusion :
The indefinite strike of teachers at state universities in Cameroon highlights the urgency of resolving problems related to the payment of teachers’ bonuses and salaries. It is essential that the government takes prompt action to ensure the timely disbursement of these amounts, in order to preserve the quality of higher education in the country. A fair and lasting solution must be found to respond to the legitimate demands of teachers and defuse the educational crisis affecting Cameroon.