UL Administration Makes Moves to Calm Standoff -Promises to Address Litany of Faculty Concerns

By George C Flomo 

MONROVIA – The Administration of the University of Liberia has pledged to work with the UL Staff Association (ULSA) to resolve long-standing grievances ranging from salary disparities to health insurance and transportation concerns.

The commitment came during a tense but constructive General Assembly of ULSA on Friday, August 29, held at the University’s Fendall campus, where President Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan and her senior management team engaged directly with staff representatives.

Dr. Maparyan acknowledged the depth of frustrations among staff but assured the gathering that the administration would continue discussions until satisfactory solutions were reached.

“We’ve had a number of productive conversations, but I won’t say satisfying conversations because you’re not satisfied yet, and until you are, we haven’t finished,” she told the assembly.

Salary disparity has remained ULSA’s most pressing issue for years. According to Secretary General E. Martin Weah, negotiations to address pay gaps formally began with the UL Administration as far back as December 2021, but little progress has been made.

Weah described the disparity as “critical and pressing,” noting that it undermines staff morale and stability.

The Association has already compiled data highlighting inconsistencies and intends to present a consolidated position to the administration in the coming weeks.

ULSA President Mr. Dee Preston emphasized that staff demands were not mere complaints but essential conditions for building a “stable, motivated, and world-class workforce.”

Beyond salaries, staff raised concerns about inconsistent health insurance coverage and the lack of reliable transportation.

Weah lamented difficulties in accessing adequate medical insurance, while ULSA spokesman James H. Adams stressed the urgent need for affordable transportation for employees across UL campuses.

Adams, however, praised the administration for recently providing a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for the David A. Straz-Sinje campus, calling it “a positive step in the right direction.”

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Maparyan outlined the financial constraints confronting the institution. She disclosed that while the University requires US$100 to meet obligations for insurance, buses, and other welfare services, it currently secures only US$10.

“We are working out how to increase the amount we have available to pay those different vendors and also to make sure that we can keep them taking care of you even when there’s a struggle going on,” she explained.

On the issue of retirement benefits, the UL President assured staff that the administration would work with the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) to ensure employees’ contributions are properly remitted.

Dr. Maparyan noted that her administration plans to prioritize staff welfare in 2026, with salary increments starting from the lowest earners upward. She also underscored that differences in pay would continue to reflect employees’ qualifications, experience, and credentials.

Her presence at the assembly, she said, was a demonstration of her commitment to transparent dialogue.

ULSA leaders, while appreciative of the engagement, made it clear that only concrete actions will restore confidence among staff.

“Madam President, your presence here signals a commitment to partnership. We are confident that by working together with open minds and a shared commitment to the greatness of this University we can find lasting solutions,” ULSA President Preston said.

For now, staff await the administration’s next move, hoping that the promises made at Fendall will translate into real improvements for their welfare and working conditions.