Teachers and support staff across Catholic schools in Monrovia have embarked on a go-slow action following unresolved grievances with the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES) of the Archdiocese of Monrovia.
The industrial action, led by the Association of Catholic Teachers and Support Staff Inc. (ACTS INC.), stems from disputes over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
In a letter dated November 30, 2024, ACTS INC. notified the CES of its decision to begin the go-slow on December 2, citing the Secretariat’s failure to address key demands, including compliance with National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) remittances, a 50% reduction in registration fees for employees’ wards, compulsory health and life insurance for all staff, and salary alignment with the Decent Work Act of 2015.
“The refusal of the CES to adhere to these demands leaves us with no alternative but to take action to ensure our voices are heard,” said Anthony G. Lombeh, Assistant Secretary General of ACTS INC.
The association first raised these concerns in a letter dated November 8, 2024, emphasizing that teachers’ retirement benefits are at risk due to inconsistent NASSCORP premium remittances.
ACTS INC. also highlighted the financial burden of registration fees for employees’ wards and called for equitable salaries to meet the standards set by the Decent Work Act. Despite a meeting held on November 21, 2024, to address these grievances, CES failed to meet the association’s November 22 deadline, prompting teachers to initiate industrial action.
In a response dated November 28, 2024, Rev. Fr. P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah, Education Secretary of the CES, outlined the Secretariat’s position. While acknowledging the grievances, Fr. Molubah argued that CES has taken significant steps to address the demands. Retroactive NASSCORP records for 10 years were submitted, but CES requested ACTS INC. to identify staff allegedly excluded from benefits.
A 50% fee reduction for employees’ wards was deemed financially unsustainable, although CES highlighted existing tuition-free privileges. CES invited ACTS INC. to compile a list of interested employees to facilitate health and life insurance enrollment, citing past challenges with opt-outs. It also maintained that salaries have adhered to the Decent Work Act since 2019, requesting evidence to the contrary for review.
Fr. Molubah appealed for continued dialogue, stressing the Secretariat’s commitment to staff welfare within its resource constraints.
The unresolved dispute has sparked concerns among students and parents, who fear disruptions to the academic calendar. Observers, including education stakeholders, have called on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour to mediate the escalating conflict.
“This situation, if prolonged, risks tarnishing the Catholic school system’s reputation for delivering quality education,” one parent remarked.
