Latest update March 29th, 2025 4:38 AM
UG responds to union heads lawsuit
Attorneys-at-law from the law firm of Cameron and Shepherd have entered an appearance on behalf of the University of Guyana (UG) in regards to the court action, which was brought against the institution by Heads of the Unions responsible for representing workers of the University.
A smiling Professor Jacob Opadeyi (centre) is being served with the writ by the Court Marshal (right) as UGWU President, Bruce Haynes looks on.
On March 21, last, UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi received an injunction, filed by the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association, (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers’ Union, (UGWU).
The unions through their Presidents, Dr. Patsy Francis and Mr. Bruce Haynes, are seeking to resolve the issue of staff not being able to receive their full financial benefits.
Based on the legal document, which was filed in the Supreme Court of Judicature 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.
As such, lawyers from the law firm of Cameron and Shepherd will be representing UG, while the Unions are being represented by Attorneys-at-law, Nigel Hughes and Kendaise Rodney, who are now tasked with preparing statements of claim, on behalf of their clients.
According to the claims listed in the civil lawsuit against the UG, the unions are demanding that the University pays all monies owed to staff, including salaries, payments for all unpaid work since last semester by part time members, including gratuities, allowances and uniform monies among other things.
In accordance 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 and March 2014.
Added to this, damages in excess of $100,000 are being sought for breach of statutory duty to remit deductions from the plaintiffs’ 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.
In an invited comment, Union representatives claimed that they “have no other way out but to take the University to Court,” after numerous calls for change were made by authorities, in regards to operations of the administrative board, proved futile.
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