Unions representing the interest of workers at the University of Guyana (UG) have indicated that plans are afoot to escalate the industrial action at the Turkeyen Campus from a ‘sit in’ to a full blown strike commencing Monday.
Staff agreed to congregate at the main gate at the University but not go into offices or classrooms and expects to receive the support of the student population in this regard.
Also a letter will be written and delivered to President Donald Ramotar today, requesting his urgent intervention in the crisis before he dissolves Parliament for the upcoming May 11 elections.
Staff members are demanding salary increased wages and better working conditions. According to the Unions, a letter will also be penned and delivered to the Minister of Labour Dr. Nanda Gopaul noting the breakdown of talks and requesting the Ministry’s intervention in resolving the crisis.
These decisions were made following the letter sent to the Unions by the Vice Chancellor on Thursday last which withdrew the minimal salary increase offer and refused to negotiate until staff returned to the negotiation table and work.
Lecturers and other staff say they fully understand the strain that this action has and might have on all and are particularly mindful of the impact it will have on certain category of staff.
To this end, the Unions have advised that they have commenced collecting strike relief which will be given in the first instance to the most vulnerable who have expressed solidarity with the call for industrial action.
The Unions have also prepared letters that will be sent to all the commercial banks and credit institutions advising them of the industrial action and requesting that they allow affected staff members time to honour their obligations without imposing late payment penalties. These will be delivered by Wednesday to all institutions.
Those who are teaching are urged to join the strike. The situation at the University is said to be abnormal and abysmal and it will never improve unless students and staff insist on change.
Filed: 9th February, 2015
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