Labour Ministry averts strike at UG…Unions, UG administration agree to review problematic areas

Feb 26, 2012 News

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The Unions of the University of Guyana (UG) have opted to call off the threatened strike, which was slated for tomorrow.
This decision was taken yesterday during a meeting with the University Administration, which was facilitated by Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul.
The process, which was also assisted by Mohammed Akeel former Chief Labour Officer, Lincoln Lewis, President for Guyana Trade Union Congress and George Daniels former President of the Guyana Public Servant Union, was held at the Labour Ministry, Brickdam.
After two previous failed attempts by the Labour Ministry to foster talks between the Unions (University of Guyana Senior Staff Association, the University of Guyana Workers Union) and UG’s Administration, this session resulted in both parties meeting an agreement.
This seems to have ended weeks of industrial action taken by all categories of staff. Industrial actions started in January because of the termination of three lecturers’ contracts including that of political activist Frederick Kissoon by the University’s Council. Two of the lecturers were issued new contracts.
The “Terms of Resumption” provide that the Labour Ministry would conciliate in the matter of the ending of services of three lecturers in January 2012, within one week upon full resumption of work.
According to Dr. Melissa Ifill, Member of University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), the Unions have one week to present their cases regarding the termination of contracts to the Administration. This would be done in the presence of Chief Labour Officer, Yoganand Persaud.
She emphasized that even though this process of negotiation would outlive the lecturers’ one-year contracts, it is hoped that the reconciliation process would highlight the flaws in the termination of the lecturers’ contracts according to the University of Guyana Statutes.
Dr. Ifill said that having carried out these industrial actions and engaging these negotiations, the union was hoping to prevent future actions. The rights of lecturers must be respected.
In terms of the University’s governance, Dr. Ifill noted that this issue would be addressed through a project funded by a Caribbean Development Bank loan. She asserted that the consultants engaging the project would be appropriately informed. UG’s governance structure is archaic, she said.
Dr. Ifill noted that one of the most promising outcomes of the meeting was the Administration’s stance on the World Bank loan which is expected to improve the University’s delivery of science education.
According to the agreement, “The Administration shall work with the Ministries of Education and Finance to satisfy the applicable terms of the World Bank Loan in a speedy manner.”
The agreement also provides for the resumption of all categories of workers from Monday, amicable relations and no break in service. In addition, the Unions and Administration are to have bilateral discussions on a monthly basis for the next three months and thereafter continue to hold engagements on a mutually agreed basis.
It also outlined the willingness of the Administration to meet the Unions and the negotiating team within one month of the Unions submitting the Memorandum of Demands on salaries, emulation for workers and other issues within their respective bargaining units.
According to Dr. Gopaul, it is hoped that the Unions and the Administration honour the “Terms of Resumption”. The Ministry is committed to meeting the parties and mediating the dispute once there is full resumption of work.
He advised that once there are issues affecting either party they should be highlighted to avoid dissatisfactory actions.
Dr. Gopaul said that Industrial Relations issues cannot be overlooked and the Ministry is prepared to engage all Unions to ensure Labour Laws are observed, workers rights are protected and employers and employees benefit from this Ministry.
He emphasized that strikes should be used as a last resort having exhausted set procedures. He said industrial actions must be used sparingly. The Minister expressed hope that both parties would work in harmony and protect their relationship to mould the nation.
After the signing of the agreement, Dr. Patsy Francis, President of GSSA, stressed the Union’s recommitment to the development of UG and the country as a whole. She expressed hope that the Administration and Council would give the Unions a voice in the University’s creative activities.
Dr. Francis stated that regardless of who is to be blamed the desire is to have the University transformed, starting from today. She emphasized that the acrimonious relationship displayed over the past weeks must be put behind, adding there are things in the media which cannot be removed. However, the willingness is there to work with the Administration and Council.
Her counterpart, Bruce Haynes of the University of Guyana Workers Union said that much focus was not placed on the lower levels of staff that carry out a thankless job.
Haynes stated that the conditions of these employees need to be enhanced, for instance there are welfare programmes that the University has to introduce and staff must undergo training. However, these calls for huge financial investments, he added.
The University’s Administration has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Labour for brokering talks between the parties.
According to Dr. Marlene Cox, Vice Chancellor (Ag), UG’s challenges are no secret and each person at the institution would like to work in a comfortable environment.
She said that the Administration’s doors are always open and is looking forward to working with the staff and students.
Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Prem Misir, expressed satisfaction with provision in the agreement for constant engagement between parties. He noted that in the past the Unions used to meet with the Administration to discuss challenges and this needs to be done on a regular basis.
He related that even though there is more to be done, the mere fact that negotiations have reached this stage with camaraderie is a sign that much has been achieved.
Dr. Misir expressed hope that the University’s quality assurance problems would soon change.
He said that in the process of having these conflicts, it is hoped the desired changes are derived.

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