The Cameroon Teachers Union, known by it’s French acronym SYNECAM, has today, begun an indefinite strike action despite assurances made by President Paul Biya to look into their grievances.
A letter addressed to the Prime Minister by SYNECAM notified the government of the decision to downgrade tools until their demands are fully addressed by authorities.
President Paul Biya, during his traditional end-of-year speech on December 31, 2024, acknowledged the demands raised by teachers, promising to provide solutions.
According to President Paul Biya , “dialogue between the government and trade unions is ongoing, in a bid to address the aspirations and concerns of teachers.”
No Action After Speech
Six days after Biya’s speech, the teachers union says the government lacks goodwill in addressing their grievances, announcing a sit-down strike beginning January 15.
“Following the decision of the SYNECAM National Council held on December 28, 2024, in Yaoundé, we, the Cameroon Teachers’ Union (SYNECAM), wish to notify you of a strike notice starting from January 15, 2025, and for an indefinite period,” reads a letter sent to the Prime Minister, of which MMI obtained a copy.
The decision, according to SYNECAM, follows the failure of the government to respect the commitments made regarding the continuation of negotiations between teachers’ unions and the government, as instructed by the President of the Republic during his address to the Nation on December 31.
The demands of the teachers, amongst others, include holding the national education forum, signing and applying for the special status of teachers, full payment of debt owed to teachers, and lack of progress in automation of career actions.
The teachers note with regret that “this lack of commitment on the part of the authorities undermines the very foundations of goodwill and mutual respect that should prevail in our exchanges.”
Higher education lecturers are on a general strike due to non-payment of academic debt, discriminatory award of research grants, and deplorable working conditions.
