LECTURERS boycotting classes at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) are urged to return to work.
Vice-chancellor Dr Glynn Galo issued the reminder on Tuesday as second semester classes remained delayed due to the boycott.
Dr Galo said lecturers must return to work, assuring them their grievances would be addressed.
“This issue is between the lecturers and management,” Dr Galo said.
“By boycotting classes, you are victimising the students,” he added.
“Your actions are now affecting the students, the very ones we are here to serve.
“I want you to return to your classes because the issue between us will be resolved.”
Dr Galo explained the issue between the lecturers and management was due to the absence of a Minimum Qualification Requirement Policy (MQR) prior to SINU’s establishment in 2013.
“Such a policy would have addressed the ranking of lecturers; as to who should move up the rank and who should not.
“According to the SINU Act 2012, all the lecturers from Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) will transfer to SINU.
“But according to our MQR, which was in place since 2013, lecturers must have several qualifications before they can be promoted and get a pay rise.”
Dr Galo said that to make it easier they have revised the MQR policy again and told the lecturers to sign new contracts but they refused.
“Because of this, all lecturers since 2013 never sign any contracts,” he said.
He explained that in April this year, the lecturers were again told to sign the contracts and about 73% responded positively.
Dr Galo said those who are boycotting classes are those who refused to sign their contracts but insisted that their pay be backdated to January 2013.
“I am calling on those lecturers to come back to classes as we will deal with their issue soon.”
He also encouraged each lecturer to come forward and sign their offer letter.
“I am extending the deadline for accepting of the letter of offer by three more days to 4pm Friday 14th August 2015.”
Dr Galo reminded the lecturers that SINU is the nation’s university and every Solomon Islander is responsible for its growth.
“Remember NOBODY will build this university but ourselves.
“Come forward and sign your contracts and let’s move on to develop our human resources,” Dr Galo said.
Leader of the Lecturers Association was not available yesterday for comments.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA) said they stand neutral in the current stand-off.
By LESLEY SANGA
