The official committee of hourly contracted professors at the Lebanese University commended all professors for standing united and for their commitment to a week-long strike as a manifestation of their deplorable situation and to achieve their demands. They expressed gratitude to the contracted professors for their active participation in the protest held in front of the Ministry of Education, as well as to the permanent staff and all supporters.
The committee stated that the approval of raising the hourly pay rate, along with productivity bonuses and the implementation of seniority, are all rights owed to contracted professors, which have been delayed for too long. They reminded all concerned parties that the main demand of university professors is the approval of the tenure file, as it is the only decision that safeguards the university and the dignity of the contracted professors while ensuring their continuity at the Lebanese University and allowing them to perform their roles under acceptable conditions. They noted that the failure to pass the tenure file could undermine the academic and research role of the university specifically, leading to the migration of qualified professors and a significant drop in student enrollment.
The committee added that they value all efforts aimed at overcoming obstacles to the approval of the tenure file and called on all political forces to positively collaborate with the Minister of Education and the university president to facilitate the passing of the tenure file in the next cabinet session.
In conclusion, the committee announced the suspension of the strike for only two weeks as a positive step in light of the efforts made by the Minister of Education and Higher Education, allowing time for the concerned parties to approve the tenure file within this timeframe. They also warned that any delays in the approval of the tenure file could threaten the continuity of the academic year and urged all colleagues to be prepared for any protests that may be called during the next two weeks in front of the relevant administrations.
