University of Guyana staff members are set to intensify their strike action in the new week as they continue to press for a 60% increase in their wages and salaries.
The workers have been on a sit in strike for the past two weeks but from Monday, the strike is expected to be to be full blown with protests and no attendance by staff members.
The move comes in response to the University’s decision to withdraw its 25% increase over three years offer. Although that increase was rejected by the workers, they said they were willing to negotiate a better deal.
But the University’s Vice Chancellor on Thursday pulled the offer completely and hinted that there will be no other offer until the staff members return to their jobs.
The staff members refused and decided on Friday that they will be stepping up their action from next Monday.
There are calls for President Donald Ramotar to get involved in the ongoing conflict and hammer out a resolution that would please both sides. While the youth arm of the governing party has been trying to meet with students and other stakeholders, the President has been relatively silent on the issue.
The University has already indicated that it cannot afford the increase the staff members are demanding. But many staff members believe that the University could meet their demands.
The University of Guyana Student Society has come out in support of the staff members and students have launched protest of their own pressing for improved conditions at the University.
Filed: 6th February, 2015
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