Over 1,000 instructional and support staff of the Catholic Educational Service (CES) are continuing their strike action in demand of over two months’ salary arrears.
The protesters under the banner, the National Association of the Catholic Schools’ Teachers and Support Staff of the Archdiocese of Monrovia are said to be from Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa and Margibi Counties.
On Monday, October 19, the entrance of the Catholic Secretariat on Ashmun Street was barricaded by the aggrieved teachers who for almost three weeks have abandoned the classroom.
With support from the National Private School Teachers’ Association of Liberia (NPSTAL), the protesters said several negotiations were held with the Catholic Church but none yielded results which has left them with no option but to lay down their chalks.
The spokesperson of the striking workers, Alphonso Quire, said they all of the attempted negotiations had witnessed no resolution.
The teachers are also demanding their National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) Identification Cards.
Quire stated that there are some of his colleagues who been working between 5 to 40 years with the Catholic Education Service that do not have social security identification card.
“This is a church that claims to be advocating for human rights all along and is abusing the same rights. Not paying those who are or have worked for you is a serious abuse of human rights matter,” the spokesperson noted.
The group then vowed to continue with their action until their arrears are settled. “Our action has led to the closure of all the church schools in those counties. They will not open until we are pay.”
However, the human rights arm of the Catholic Church the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) headed by the Parley Johnson then led the negotiation with the aggrieved teachers.
Following several hours of a closed door meeting with the striking teachers’ leadership, the protest was suspended but discussions to reach a peaceful settlement continue.
Meanwhile, the striking teachers are expected to hold a mass meeting in Monrovia to decide the next course of action as the consultation continues; writes Throble K. Suah.