| — slam VC’s proposal to sideline UGSSAAlthough a three-day strike action was initially proposed by the Unions of the University of Guyana (UG), recent developments have resulted in moves towards prolonged industrial action.This tactic is based on the fact that Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, seems hell-bent on sidelining the more vocal of the two workers’ unions – the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA). The UGSSA has long been critical of the Professor Opadeyi-led administration.UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob OpadeyiBased on yet another joint missive publicized by the staff unions of the tertiary institution – UGSSA and the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU), the Vice Chancellor seems determined to silence the former.Signed by Dr. Mellissa Ifill, Vice President of the UGSSA and President of the UGWU, the letter informed that on Monday, Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Jacob Opadeyi submitted a two-point proposal for the Unions’ consideration to end the ongoing industrial action.On Monday, the workers, led by their unions, commenced what was supposed to be a three-day industrial action in order to retaliate to a collapse in negotiations as it relates to increased wages and other benefits.The Vice Chancellor, according to the Unions’ representatives, has proposed that the UGWU take the lead in the negotiations with the University’s Negotiation team, and pointed out that negotiations will resume in two weeks after the University’s Administration would have received a remit from Council.The Vice Chancellor’s proposal was communicated to staff at a meeting held at noon Monday in the Small Lecture Theatre of the University’s Turkeyen Campus. At that forum the membership of Unions not only urged that the Vice Chancellor be enlightened to the fact that ongoing industrial action will be sustained,Wholesale UK NBA Jerseys, but that they are maintaining a demand for an across-the-board 60 per cent increase in salaries.UGSSA Vice President, Dr Mellissa IfillMoreover, the Unions’ joint letter detailed that the UGSSA has not accepted the proposal to negotiate with the University under the umbrella of the UGWU and instead demands that negotiations proceed with both Unions, in light of the University’s historic recognition and negotiations with the UGSSA, and as a gesture of good faith.It was pointed out too, that staff will remain on industrial action until UG Council meets, gives the remit to the Vice Chancellor and the UG Negotiating Team, and negotiations with both Unions recommence.Further still, it was emphasized that “the academic staff reiterate its condemnation of 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.”The Unions’ letter continued that “Union members reiterated their complete demands contained in the Memoranda of Demands for UA & UB staff submitted to your office on November 30, 2014 and the specific demand for a 60 per cent across the board increase in salaries for all categories of UA & UB staff [inclusive of part time and casual staff] payable from March 2015.”And it was underscored too, that “given (a) the protracted nature of the ongoing negotiations, (b) the current disruption in the University’s activities and (c) the fact that the Unions had been advised that the calculations of various percentage increases would have been prepared and ready since December 23, 2014, the Unions anticipate a positive response to our demands by January 30, 2015″.UGWU President, Bruce HaynesThe Unions are therefore appealing for workers to support the continued sit-in strike action until further notice, even as it was pointed out that “the Unions are encouraged by the extensive support given by staff…and urge that we continue to stand firm until our demands are addressed satisfactorily. Please continue to show up to classes on time BUT DO NOT TEACH, turn up to work on time BUT DO NOT PERFORM REGULAR DUTIES.”As part of its continued industrial action, the Unions also have plans to lead its membership to protest action outside of the Vice Chancellor’s office. “Please come out and let your voices be heard,” the missive concluded. |
