Douala: Catholic primary school teachers call off strike

About 800 teachers from 54 Catholic Primary Schools in the Douala Archdiocese have called off the strike that started on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

The close to 250 teachers who gathered at the Douala Archdiocese yesterday, November 12, 2015, heaved a sigh of relief after hearing the fallout of a closed-door meeting between the Douala Archbishop, His Lordship Samuel Kleda, the Divisional Officer for Douala I, Jean Marc Ekoa Mbarga, and 20 trade union representatives.

Speaking to the press after the close to three-hour meeting, Jean Marc Ekoa Mbarga advised the teachers to call off the strike action since their grievances had been heard and some measures taken to improve their working conditions.

He proposed another meeting with the teachers, trade union representatives and Douala Archbishop in his office on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, for final resolutions. One of the spokespersons of the trade union who attended the meeting said the Archbishop Kleda promised medical cover and longevity allowances while a 1984 agreement will be discussed on November 18.

Before the strike was called off, the teachers had a long list of grievances. These included low salaries, with some of them allegedly paid below the minimum wage, medical cover, transport, accommodation and research allowances, and registration with the National Social Insurance Fund.