The Monrovia Consolidated School System Teachers Association (MCSSTA) has announced a major go-slow action, effective Friday, until the government addresses their long-standing demands.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Monrovia Demonstration School in central Monrovia, MCSSTA president Augustine N. Nyormui declared that the teachers are forced to take this drastic action after numerous failed negotiations with the government.
“We are constrained to take this action following countless engagements with the national government without any redress,” Nyormui stated.
“Former Finance and Development Planning Minister and the former Director General of the Civil Service Agency used to respond to our communications, but this current administration and its officials have completely ignored us. This is sad and unfortunate for a government that claims to prioritize education.”
Nyormui accused the government of pretending to value education while, in reality, neglecting the sector’s needs.
He criticized the government for allowing the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to classify MCSS teachers under a “redline” status, which he described as a “mockery” of the country’s educational sector.
“It is unacceptable to see ministers and government officials earning huge salaries and driving luxurious cars while teachers, who are shaping the future of this country, are left struggling,” he added.
As part of their demands, the MCSSTA is calling on the government to: Adjust monthly salaries of MCSS employees to reflect their academic qualifications, Transition all volunteer workers to full-time employment to improve the quality of education.
Other demand includes; Implement a salary increase for MCSS employees in line with commitments made by President Joseph Boakai in his State of the Nation address and reaffirmed by Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Provide increased budgetary support for MCSS operations, which are currently underfunded, as highlighted by the CSA’s redline status.
Nyormui warned all teachers and MCSS staff to refrain from reporting to work until the government meets their demands.
He admitted that the problem is inherited but argued that “government is continuity” and insisted that the Boakai’s administration must act swiftly, especially given its campaign promise to prioritize education.
The planned go-slow action is expected to shut down over 20 MCSS schools, affecting thousands of students, including 9th and 12th graders preparing for regional and national exams.
When questioned about the potential disruption to students, Nyormui stood firm, saying the teachers’ decision is final.
“We remain resolved and will stay home until our concerns are addressed,” he said. “How can our children eat or go to school when we are hungry and not paid or supported as expected?”
Nyormui acknowledged that some of the teachers’ own children and relatives will be affected by the protest but emphasized that the teachers’ struggle is necessary to secure better working conditions and a stronger educational system.
The MCSSTA’s action underscores mounting tension between the government and the education sector, raising concerns about the future of the country’s already fragile educational system.
