No New Wage Scale Soon as Bou Saab Hints at Adopting Solution without SCC Consent

The new wage scale impasse has entered a new critical phase, as deadlines for university admissions are approaching while students have not secured their certificates because of the ongoing boycott of official exams' correction.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Education Minister Elias Bou Saab stated on Thursday that he is ready to adopt a solution that does not necessarily please the Syndicate Coordination Committee, explaining that he was keen on students' rights.

"If we do not agree on issuing the new wage scale as soon as possible, the future of students would go into the unknown,” Bou Saab warned at a press conference he held at the ministry.

He elaborated: “The new wage scale is a barrier standing between the SCC and its decision to correct official exams. The SCC and I are together in this crisis and but I tell the Committee that the minister should stand by the students also because they are suffering as well.”

Nevertheless, he reiterated that he won't oblige any teacher to correct exams.

“No correction of exams will take place without SCC's approval and I did not change my opinion. I will not oblige anyone to correct exams,” he assured, hoping that SCC members would listen to students' rights and demands.

Bou Saab revealed that he had asked SCC members to “think about a solution to push for the adoption of the new wage scale,” remarking also that a parliamentary session might not be held for “political reasons.”

The Education Minister said that Speaker Nabih Berri “assured that there would be no legislation at the parliament without the new wage scale,” adding also that the March 14 coalition and al-Mustaqbal Movement support adopting the new wage scale.

“But it's apparent that it will not be adopted soon,” he pointed out.

“We have many options and there is no final solution. I could take a decision that does not please the SCC,” he stated.

Meanwhile, SCC head Hanna Gharib vowed on Thursday that the committee's members will not withdraw any of their demands, threatening to hold a general strike and taking other escalation steps to secure the adoption of the new wage scale.

“We still insist on the 121% wage increase, of which we received 45% and we are waiting for the remaining amount,” he stressed.

He considered that this is not an “issue of concessions but of unleashing teachers,” assuring that the SCC is also keen on students' rights.

Gharib then announced that a strike will take place in public institutions on August 6, to push for the long-awaited new wage scale's adoption.

S.D.B.