Barely a year after the November Strike of 2017, the Gulu University academic staff under their umbrella association of Gulu University Academic Staff Association (GUASA), unanimously agreed to withdraw labor if their grievances are not addressed by 26th November.
The academic staff made the resolution in a general assembly that was held on Friday 16th November at the university main hall to discuss the welfare of the staff. In the letter addressed to the University Secretary of the university, the academic staff noted that their access to medical services from Lacor hospital was closed last year. The academic staff also noted that there are unpaid extra-load arrears and other allowances.
“..ensure that access to medical services by staff (at St. Mary’s hospital lacor), resume by 1st December. Extra-load for semester two 2017/18 including all marking and invigilation allowances should be cleared to zero balance by 26th November 2018,” read a section of the letter. These are the conditions that were set by the staff after general assembly yesterday at 2:00pm in University Mainhall.
The academic staff also noted that they will withdraw labor if conditions are not met.
“Failure to comply with resolutions above, the academic staff of Gulu University will withdraw their labor,” read section of letter.
This information raised negative emotions among students who are still recovering from the ‘trauma’ that was caused by the strike of the academic staff, last year, which led to closure of university and postponement of end of semester one exams(2017/18) to second semester. Many have turned to social media platforms to express their grievances and frustration of doing two sets of exams in one semester.
“They are taking us for granted, we can’t go through the same agony like it was last year,”said one of the students.
It should be noted that students returned to university (in January this year) and up-to now, they have not had a holiday in between semester two(2017/18) and recess term or between recess and semester one of academic year 2018/19.
“last year we carried books back home to read during the Christmas holiday.
“We had no holiday, didn’t refresh up-to now,”said another student.
Other students also told campus bee that accessing medical services from Lacor hospital were closed long time ago.
