Academic operations at Suriname’s Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS) have ground to a complete halt as scientific staff resumed their suspended strike action on Monday. The renewed work stoppage cancels all educational activities including lectures, examinations, tests, and thesis supervision indefinitely.
The University Scientific Staff Association (VWPU) initially paused their strike on October 15th following a request from Education Minister Dirk Currie, who established an expert team to restart stalled negotiations regarding the 2025 Collective Labor Agreement and salary adjustments.
However, according to VWPU representatives, the ministerial team convened only once, with several members admitting they hadn’t reviewed necessary documentation. Subsequent communication completely ceased despite the association’s November 28th deadline for proposals.
With no response from the education ministry, the academic staff association escalated matters by writing directly to President Jennifer Simons requesting dialogue. This appeal similarly received no official response.
During an emergency general meeting, faculty members unanimously voted to resume their strike until the government engages in meaningful negotiations. The association emphasizes they are not bargaining for salary increases but rather seeking to restore disrupted compensation ratios within the existing pay structure.
While expressing regret for the impact on students, VWPU notes that scientific staff themselves suffer significant consequences from the paralyzed educational process, highlighting the mutual damage caused by the ongoing dispute.