Strike at USP: FEA teachers call for an end to the strike – 10/09/2023 – Education

A letter signed by 139 professors from the FEA (Faculty of Economics, Administration and Accounting) at USP (University of São Paulo) calls for an end to the strike and the resumption of classes at the unit. The unit decided to join the student strike last week.

The text of the petition, released this Monday (9), recognizes the shortage of teachers affecting the university — the main reason for the strikers’ demands, but calls for the resumption of classes as soon as possible.

Also this Monday, university students will hold an assembly to decide whether or not to continue the strike.

The letter is signed, among others, by the college’s director, Maria Dolores Montoya Diaz, by the former dean of USP Jacques Marcovitch and by the former president of Cade (Administrative Council for Economic Defense) Elizabeth Farina.

“Such paralysis and uncertainty regarding the resumption brings harm not only to the current academic calendar, but also to the research activities and maintenance of academic excellence at this faculty”, says the text.

The strike at USP began on September 18 and was joined by different units throughout the days. In addition to hiring teachers, strikers are calling for an increase in student retention assistance, structural improvements at USP Leste, promotion of indigenous entrance exams and appreciation of student rights.

Last Friday (6), students from the USP Polytechnic School approved the end of the strike at the unit through an approved plebiscite and were the first to break the boycott of classes. Half of the almost 5,000 registered voters voted. There were 1,214 against the continuation of the strike, 1,129 in favor and 71 abstentions.

During negotiations, management promised to hire 148 temporary teachers in 45 days, distributing the contingent with priority to those most in need. The proposal divided the protesters, and the return to activities began to be debated in directories and associations.

Members of Adusp (Teachers’ Association of the University of São Paulo), however, have already decided to remain on standby until Tuesday (10). They intend to follow the directives of the students participating in this Monday’s meeting.