By Bill W. Cooper
The Association of Catholic School Teachers and Support Staff Inc. (ACTS) has initiated a go-slow action, effectively boycotting classes across various school campuses.
In what seems to be a rising tensions between educators and the Catholic Secretariat yesterday December 2, 2024, their decision comes in response to the Secretariat’s failure to address a series of pressing demands that the association has raised over the past several months.
The go-slow action, is also intended to ensure teachers and support staff across numerous Catholic schools in Liberia stay away from entering classes in protestations, calling for immediate attention to their grievances.
The situation, according to report has since left many school going students in limbo, with classes disrupted and educational activities severely hampered, especially at a time that other schools are now doing their second marking period test.
It can be recalled that the ACTS, representing a significant number of educators and support staff in Catholic institutions, has been vocal about their concerns regarding working conditions, salary adjustments, and the need for better resources in schools.
The association, in their demands named the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation, which they narrated that the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES) inability to be in full compliance in remitting employees monthly NASSCORP premium.
Also, the association demanded that the secretariat effect fifty percent reduction of ward registration fees for all employees as of this academic year 2024/2025 and onward, coupled with the compulsory medical and life insurance for all employees.
The association is also advocating for a salary payment to be in accordance with the Decent Work Act of 2015 of Liberia, ensuring all of its members are adequately paid in line with the government’s pay policy.
In a letter and press release dated November 30, 2024, to the Catholic Education Secretariat Archdiocese of Monrovia, Rev. Fr. P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah and public, the ACTS leadership informed the Secretariat of their decision, and vowed not to enter classes till their concerns are addressed.
The ACTS letter stated, “Dear Rev. Fr. Molubah, the ACTS herein mentioned is pleased to inform you through this medium that the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES) refusal to adhere to its demands prompted the general assembly to resolve in a mass meeting to stage a go-slow action beginning Monday, December 2, 2024 and onward until our demands are met with full compliance.”
“And your fullest co-operation in this regard is highly anticipated, and please note that our decision was rendered in a mass meeting on Saturday, November 30, 2024, where we unanimously resolved to stage a go-slow action Go-slow action beginning Monday, December 2, 2024.
Also, the decision by ACTS Inc. is predicated upon the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES) outright refusal to adhere or comply with our demands submitted months ago, to the Catholic Education Secretariat,” the team revealed.
The statement furthered, “So, in view of the above-mentioned situation, the leadership is calling on all teachers and support staff under the Banner of ACTS Inc. to report to their respective schools beginning December 2, 2024 only to sign in their respective signing book and refrain from entering any classroom for the purpose of teaching or for any instructional activity.”
The ACTS also warned that, throughout its ongoing ‘go-slow period’, teachers are advised to not take instructions from any school administrator or CES staff and unless through the ACTS leadership.
The ACTS statement added, “Furthermore, any information relative to returning to academic normality will be given only by the leadership of ACTS Inc. So, in the cause of the Teachers and Support Staff Welfare, the struggle must stop.
Meanwhile, in an effort to provide a balanced perspective on the unfolding situation, this paper-initiated series of attempts to reach the head of the Catholic Secretariat for comment.
Text messages, including the two separate communications were sent to Rev. Molubah, seeking clarification on their stance regarding the teachers’ demands and the ongoing go-slow action, but as of press time, no response had been received.
