UG threatens striking staff with salary deductions

UG threatens striking staff with salary deductions

The University of Guyana has issued a warning to striking staff members that money will be deducted from their salaries as they continue to stay away from the classrooms during their sit in protest action.

In a memo to staff members and their union, the University administration made it clear that the deductions  could be made once the protests continue and they do not return to the classrooms.

The staff members are in week #2 of their protest efforts to get a 60% increase in salaries and get improved working conditions at the Turkeyen campus. The protests have resulted in the postponement of several classes as the lecturers continue to stay away.

University students have also joined the protests and are taking the side of the staff members. The students also want the university to address many of their concerns.

Students have backed the decision taken by the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and last week collectively rejected a two point proposal for the Unions’ consideration to end the industrial action by the VC.

The academic staff has condemned the attempt to change the conditions of service of academic staff through the imposition of a new Workload Policy and insist that it be withdrawn from the University of Guyana’s Council until meaningful negotiations and consultations have taken place.

Union members are demanding a 60% across-the-board increase in salaries for all categories of UA & UB staff.

The Unions say the strike continues until further notice while pointing out that they are encouraged by the extensive support given by staff and urge that all continue to stand firm until their demands are addressed satisfactorily.

Filed: 4th February, 2015

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