Lebanese University Staff Union: Warning Strike Until Demands Are Met

The Executive Body of the Lebanese University Staff Union announced in a statement that after a series of meetings and follow-ups with official authorities, the body has not achieved any tangible progress on the demand files, foremost among them the file of the double salary increment and the retroactive pay owed to employees. More than thirty months have passed since this right became due in November 2023, which has led to depriving employees of large sums of money exceeding three thousand US dollars for many of them, amid the difficult living and economic conditions. It noted that the union, despite its efforts and communications, has not been able to obtain appointments with the Prime Minister or the Ministry of Finance to discuss these rights and put them on the path to actual resolution.

The union affirmed its adherence to all demands, especially the restricted competition, granting education allowances to trainers, the three salary grades due to third-category employees who joined the permanent staff since 2017, and addressing the conditions of trainers and daily workers who are referred to retirement with low compensation that does not match their years of service and dedication. It said: "In the face of continued procrastination and the absence of any serious steps, the Executive Body announces a three-day warning strike starting Tuesday, the 30th of this month until Thursday, July 2, which will include a sit-in in front of the Serail at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 1. The strike will involve a complete halt of administrative and technical work and university tasks, including exams, monitoring, entrance exams, issuing results, and all other work related to the functioning of various units of the Lebanese University." It stressed that it has exhausted all means of dialogue and follow-up, and that all options and escalatory steps are now on the table, and that continued disregard for employees' rights and failure to respond to their demands will lead to further escalation, with the relevant authorities bearing full responsibility for the resulting consequences.

It concluded: "The patience of the employees has reached its limit, and it is no longer acceptable to continue the policy of promises and delays when rights are clear and demands are legitimate."