Academic staff unions at several federal universities say negotiations with the Federal Government have not produced meaningful progress as their nationwide strike entered its sixth day. Union leaders expressed frustration about the pace of talks and warned that prolonged industrial action would further disrupt the academic calendar.
Union officials said that while a federal delegation held discussions with university representatives, there were no firm commitments on key demand items such as improved funding for universities, wage adjustments, unpaid allowances and long-overdue promotions. Lecturers stressed that unresolved systemic issues continue to impede teaching, research and institutional governance.
Student bodies decried the disruption and urged rapid resolution, while university administrations appealed for calm and offered to serve as interlocutors. The government said it remains open to dialogue and that negotiators are exploring financing options and phased implementation of some demands, but cautioned that fiscal constraints demand realistic timelines.
Observers warned that continued stalemate could lead to prolonged academic losses, thesis backlogs and potential accreditation risks; all parties called for renewed political will to reach a negotiated settlement that safeguards students’ academic progress.
