Lecturers, senior admin at UWI to go on strike Jan 5

Students at the University of the West Indies' (UWI) Mona Campus may soon face disruptions in key services, as the institution's academic and senior administrative staff are preparing to take industrial action come January 5. 

The union representing them, the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT) Jamaica, first issued the threat to university administration and the Government back in November following an emergency meeting, but is now escalating its concerns by issuing the official date via a newsletter with the headline 'action time'. 

WIGUT Jamaica president, Professor Paul Brown, said talks have been held with the university's management, but there has been no formal discussions with the ministries of education and finance. 

"A lot depends on what happens now, clearly, with the line ministries," he told The STAR on Tuesday. 

In the newsletter, the union, which represents approximately 900 academics, senior administrative and professional staff, said there has been "no meaningful offer on an interim financial relief/ cost-of-living package" while a compensation review takes place.

They want an interim 25 per cent increase in salary and associated allowances, payable no later than February 29. 

"We, the West Indies Group of University Teachers (Jamaica) ask you, our members, to act. The actions you take are to express to the Government of Jamaica and The University of the West Indies our total disgust at the situation," the newsletter said. 

It also stated that members "shall engage in all actions relevant to their job category".

The six protest actions are; withholding of makers; not attending meetings; not uploading course materials; not holding academic advising meetings; not providing systems support unless an emergency situation arises; and not providing learning support.

Teaching is scheduled to resume for the second semester on January 22, but students expect to receive their grades much earlier to register for courses. 

"Our main paymaster, the Government of Jamaica, is our target. Sadly, protest action is the only way now to get their attention," the newsletter said. "We should exercise discretion and flexibility where required. We should, at all costs, avoid any long term harm to those whom we serve."

The UWI and the finance ministry are reportedly finalising the engagement of an international consulting firm to carry out the compensation review for employees at the institution. The report is anticipated in May 2024.

However, WIGUT-represented staff are concerned that it will be several months after that before any negotiated agreement based on that report will be concluded.

When contacted, UWI Mona Registrar Dr Donovan Stanberry said he could not say at this time whether the payment demand will be met. 

"We are aware of the notice issued by WIGUT and the management of The UWI Mona is fully engaged with the union to find a resolution to the issue," he said, adding that talks are also taking place with the Government.

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