MFUCTO calls off state-wide teachers’ strike

PUNE: After 15 days, Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation (MFUCTO) called off its strike on Wednesday. The federation conveyed its decision to fellow teacher members to resume their work from Thursday.

The strike was called off after State Education Minister Vinod Tawde assured to start appointment of teachers in the colleges. “According to the previous meeting between the minister and MFUCTO members, Tawde assured that vacancies of 60 per cent of permanent teachers’ positions and 40 per cent of temporary teachers’ positions will be filled so. The temporary teachers will get Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 salary at least. A government resolution will be soon issued in this regard,” said General Secretary of MFUCTO PS Lawande.

“In 2013, when MFUCTO declared a 71-day protest, the salaries of teachers who participated in it were blocked. The minister stated that the pending salaries will be cleared soon. The meeting deliberated on ‘no work no pay’ and it will not be implemented anymore,” added Lawande.

Lawande said an internal meeting of the organisation was held to discuss the minutes provided by the education minister, after which it was decided to end the strike. “Most of the points were validated and approved in the minutes,” said Lawande.

There are 3,000 permanent teachers from 150 colleges affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). 25,000 teachers of MFUCTO were on a statewide indefinite strike from September 25. The strike was called following several issues, which included a ban on teachers’ appointment, salaries and others.