LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - December 3, 2025

The committee representing contract professors at the Lebanese University issued a warning that any further delay in approving their “sabbatical‑status” bill will force them “reluctantly” to resort to an immediate strike. 

In a statement, the committee recalled that the bill was included on the agenda of the cabinet meeting on November 27, 2025, but was not passed.

Although a follow-up session is scheduled for December 4 to resume discussion, professors expressed growing frustration. They stressed that final approval is essential for them to begin 2026 as full‑time (“sabbatical”) faculty rather than hourly contractors.

For over 11 years, contract professors say, the delay has undermined both the stability of the national institution and the rights of its academic staff. They argued that granting sabbatical status would end a longstanding period of neglect and precarious employment conditions. 

The committee thanked the Minister of Education for raising the issue and urged the government to approve the bill in the upcoming session without further postponement. However, they warned that failure to do so will trigger a strike whose details will be announced when the decision is formally taken. 

Representatives of the full‑time professors’ union at the university reportedly reiterated their support for contract professors, framing approval of the sabbatical bill as vital to safeguarding the university’s public mission and academic standards.

As the December 4 cabinet session approaches, students and staff at the Lebanese University brace for possible disruption over one of the most consequential labour disputes in recent years in Lebanon’s higher‑education sector.