Faculty members at Hadhramaut and Seiyun Universities hold a protest to demand improvement of their conditions

Dozens of Hadhramout and Seiyun University academics, in the cities of Mukalla and Seiyun (eastern Yemen), held a protest today, Sunday, called for by the unions of faculty members at the two universities.

The protest came before the meeting of the Supreme Council of Yemeni Universities, headed by Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak, in the interim capital Aden, which is scheduled to be held tomorrow, Monday, with the aim of shedding light on their academic conditions and financial rights in light of the deteriorating economic and living conditions.

The protesters raised banners calling for salaries to be adjusted according to the actual value of the year 2011, and not less than the equivalent of 250 US dollars.

In a statement, the faculty members of the two universities called on the government to seriously review all decisions regarding the employment and wage system at Yemeni universities, and to activate the wage and salary structure, adhere to the minimum wage, and pay their previous entitlements according to the law.

The protesters said in their statement: “We are burdened with oppression and regret for the state of our academic and administrative situation in all universities. Our patriotism and our concern for the future of our students did not intercede for us after everyone abandoned them. We have been patient and kept silent for a long time for the sake of stability in the educational process. Our stand is not for incitement, but for a word of truth to be said.”

The protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the delay in their salaries beyond their set dates, and the failure to approve the budget of public universities for various allowances, including allowances (scientific research allowances, housing, furniture, and health insurance).

The protesters demanded that the salaries of all state employees - including state leaders - be paid in local currency without exception, in addition to expediting the hiring of contractors and disbursing lands to the two universities’ members.

The doctors called on the government and relevant authorities to respond to their demands, achieve them and stabilize them, and develop an urgent plan to save the country's deteriorating economy, stabilize the local currency and improve the general living conditions.