In a press release issued on January 21st, 2024, the National Executive Bureau of the National Union of Higher Education Teachers (BEN-SYNES) has called for nationwide strike action, starting Monday, January 22.
SYNES members, who are Cameroon University lecturers, also said the strike action will not end until the fourth installment of the Research Modernization Allowance is disbursed to all eligible teachers. The decision was reached during an extraordinary session held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, according to a statement from Prof. Wogaing Fotso J, Secretary General of SYNES.
The central issue prompting the strike revolves around the delay in the payment of the fourth installment of the Research Modernization Allowance, a benefit established by President Paul Biya. According to BEN-SYNES, as of January 21, 2024, approximately 70% of eligible recipients are yet to receive their due payment.
BEN-SYNES has called for the payments to be carried out immediately, arguing that the delay not only undermines the financial well-being of educators but also hampers the overall academic environment.
BEN-SYNES has told all teachers affiliated with State Universities to be part of the protest, urging them to continue observing the strike order starting from Monday, January 22, 2024, at 7 a.m. The strike will persist until the full payment of the special bonus is made to all affected teachers.
Prof. Fotso emphasised the urgency of addressing the concerns raised by teachers, saying, “We find it regrettable that the fourth installment of the Research Modernization Allowance has not been disbursed to the majority of our members. This delay is not only affecting their financial stability but also jeopardising the quality of education we provide.”
This is not the first time members of SYNES are calling for nationwide strike action over unpaid research allowances.
