FUTA threatens trade union action again

December 16, 2011, 9:17 pm , The Island.

by Dasun Edirisinghe

The Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA) has written to Higher Minister S. B. Dissanayake expressing its displeasure at his ministry’s failure to sort out its members’ salary issues.

FUTA Secretary Dr. Terrance Madujith told The Island yesterday that his association had suspended trade union action three months ago following an assurance given by the government to solve university teachers’ problems.

FUTA wanted the salary proposal implemented in three steps, to which the authorities agreed. As per the consensus reached, the basic salary of university academics should be raised by 20% by January 2012, he said.

In addition, Dr. Madujith said that at the time of suspension of FUTAtrade union action, Secretary to the Treasury had, in his letter dated 21.07.2011, clearly stated that the Treasury had no objections to the implementation of the proposals submitted by FUTA such as increasing the rates for setting question papers, marking, supervision, visiting lectures etc.

"It was also promised in his letter that low interest housing loans would be given through banking institutions," he said.

FUTA also requested the government to consider allocating approximately 6% of GDP for the education sector.

Dr. Madujith said that FUTA was of the view that the government had made no genuine effort to address the issues raised by university teachers.

FUTA would be compelled to resume its trade union action unless the government honoured its promises, he warned.