By Jomo Paul
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Staff Members of the University of Guyana (UG) are expected to embark on a “full blown” industrial strike following the breakdown of talks between the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the university’s administration.
UG’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi in a letter to the unions, had said that unless the workers return to their posts, negotiations would not continue. As a result, the unions convened a meeting with the workers where it was decided that intensified protest action would commence on Monday.
Dr Melissa Ifill, the Head of the UGSSA made the confirmation with iNews saying that the “full blown” strike action is due to commence on Monday, February 09. She said that this bout of striking is expected to last until Wednesday February 11.
She also explained that a request will be made to meet with President Donald Ramotar in an effort to bring some closure to the issue; in addition to that, a letter will be sent to the Ministry of Labour requesting that conciliatory services be given to the clashing factions at the university.
Meanwhile, the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) said a tripartite meeting was convened but there was consensus.
“This tripartite meeting followed the Union’s general meeting where it was decided that the Unions will progress to a full blown strike, possible over three days (Monday- Wednesday) in the new week, resultant from a move by the Administration to cancels today’s negotiations with the Union,” said UGSS President Joshua Griffith in a release.
It was noted that the “chaotic situation demands the immediate input of the entire student body. It is against this backdrop that the UGSS calls on students to assemble on Monday February 9, 2015 at either 10:00hrs or 17:30hrs in the GWLT or ELT Tarmac (if GWLT is unavailable). At this meeting decision will be taken as to way forward by the student body.”
