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Union heads file writ against UG Administration
A writ has been filed against the administration of the University of Guyana (UG), a move that was instigated by the heads of the unions tasked with representing workers at the tertiary institution.
A smiling Professor Jacob Opadeyi (centre) is being served with the writ by the Court Marshal (right) as UGWU President, Bruce Haynes looks on.
The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association and the University of Guyana Workers’ Union, through their Presidents, Dr. Patsy Francis and Mr. Bruce Haynes, filed the writ in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature Civil Jurisdiction yesterday morning.
A Court Marshal before noon was able to serve Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, with the legal papers in the Education Lecture Theatre, soon after the conclusion of a forum that was venued there.
The Marshal was accompanied by both Dr. Francis and Haynes who witnessed the Vice Chancellor being served.
The two were earlier in the company of other University workers staging a protesting outside the building.
According to Dr. Francis, the move to file the lawsuit was premised on the daunting financial situation at the University which she described “as a recurring problem. We see no other way out but to take the University to Court.”
She disclosed that the Unions are demanding that the University pays all monies owed to staff, including salaries for this month, payments for all unpaid work since last semester by part time members, including: gratuities, allowances, uniform monies, among other things. “The University is just falling apart and we are paying for things, such a large amount of money every month, to high officials and we are not seeing results.”
“As a Guyanese I am outraged that I am standing by while the University goes to ‘rack and ruin’,” voiced an irate Dr. Francis who insisted that “Guyana deserves better.”
She is of the view that if the Government does not have confidence in the Vice Chancellor to entrust monies into his care to manage the University then “let him go. Let him go, is best we stay here and drown by ourselves than drown paying for it; we cannot do it, we ain’t doing it no more,” ranted the UGSSA President.
Professor Opadeyi who accepted the writ with a smile, in a brief comment to this publication said, “it doesn’t bother me…” In fact when asked if he anticipated the move by the Unions he insisted, “anything is possible; there is nothing like expect or don’t expect…it is in the hands of the lawyer, it is not my business.”
UGSSA President, Dr Patsy Francis, shares her concerns with members of the media.
According to the Endorsement of Claim, the Unions on behalf of the workers are seeking: damages in excess of $100, 000; damages in excess of $100, 000 for fraudulent conversion of the plantiffs,’ members’ salary and wages including deductions from the plaintiffs,’ members salary and wages for NIS deductions and pay as you earn between the months of January 2014 to March 2014.
Added to this, damages in excess of $100, 000 is being sought for breach of statutory duty to remit deductions from the plaintiffs’ members’ salary and wages for NIS payments and PAYE as mandated by the Provisions of the Income Tax Act and the National Insurance and Social Security Act Chapter 36:01 of the laws of Guyana.
Apart from other costs and interest, the union representatives are open to any other order that may be granted by the Court.
The University has 10 days after the service of the writ, inclusive of the day of service (March 21, 2014), to cause an appearance to be entered on its behalf in response to the suit. Failing to do so, the Plaintiffs (UGSSA and UGWU) may proceed, and judgment could be granted in the absence of an official representing the University.
The Unions are being represented by Attorneys-at-law, Nigel Hughes and Kendaise Rodney.
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