MONROVIA: Lecturers at the United Methodist University (UMU) in Monrovia have staged a go-slow protest, demanding payment for their outstanding wages, which have been overdue for up to five months. As a result, the university has been closed indefinitely, causing significant disruptions for students.
The protest began early Monday morning September 16, coinciding with the official start of the 2023-2024 second academic semester. Despite the university’s scheduled reopening on Monday, September 16, the campus remains shuttered as staffers continue their demonstration.
“We are not foolish; it’s unacceptable to owe us four or five months’ salary and still expect us to work,” one of the aggrieved staff members said. “Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr. met with us last Saturday and promised to address three months of the arrears. However, he unexpectedly informed us this morning that only one month will be paid. We will remain closed until our full salaries are settled.”
The protest has left students, who arrived for early classes, in a state of confusion and frustration as staffers have been seen roaming the campus, urging students to return home, and insisting that the institution will remain closed until the issue is resolved.
The staff have placed the blame squarely on Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., alleging that his handling of the situation is directly responsible for their current predicament.
Bishop Quire, who was elected to the episcopacy in 2016 and serves as the Resident Bishop of the Liberia Area, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Efforts to reach him for a statement have so far been unsuccessful.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the investigation into the staff’s grievances continues.
At the same time, we are making all efforts to reach out the bishop for comment.
