-Administration, Workers’ Union ink agreement
THE University of Guyana (UG) and its Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the UG Workers’ Union (UGWU) today signed an agreement ending a three-day planned strike action. The agreement was inked in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour. Labour Minister Dr. Nanda Gopaul, in addressing the parties, stated that the agreement, which paves the way for normalcy to prevail on campus, will also see the Administration working with the Ministries of Finance and Education to ‘satisfy the applicable terms of the World Bank loan in a speedy manner’.
He encouraged the parties to honour the clauses which govern the agreement, and committed, on the part of the Labour Ministry, to ensure that the agreement is not breached.
“I urge you all to continue to negotiate and iron out issues which can arise in the future, because if an industrial relations issue is not rectified, it can be blown out of proportion,” he said.
He reminded that the Labour Ministry functions to ensure that workers’ rights are not undermined and to ensure that labour laws are upheld. He lauded the move by the two parties in reaching an agreement in a tranquil manner.
Over the past weeks, several strike actions were embarked upon by lecturers, some students and members of the UGWU, and members of the Opposition have used the issue to add fuel to an already burning situation.
This move was highly condemned by government, as the institution serves to deliver the highest form of education in Guyana.
Another clause of the agreement states that ‘should the parties fail to resolve their differences, the Ministry of Labour will conciliate in the matter’.
Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Prem Misir, while lauding the move of the Labour Ministry in intervening in the situation, said that it is important for the two parties to manage conflicts in the future, as this will benefit all.
With regards to clause four in the agreement – that there should be no break in service, Dr. Misir reminded the parties that it is an important one and therefore should not be breached.
Patsy Francis, President of the UGSSA, stated that the association remains committed to the development of the institution and the country as a whole, and called on government to put in place mechanisms which would aid in the development of quality teaching.
Meanwhile, Bruce Haynes, President of the UGWU, while lauding the move, said that the situation has helped everyone to realise that collaboration is much needed in the future.
The agreement caters for all forms of industrial action ending by 07:00hrs on February 27, 2012; that there will be no victimization or harassment by either side; that there will be a resumption of discussions at the bilateral level on a monthly basis on matters of interest; and that the Labour Ministry will conciliate in the matter of termination of three lecturers within a week of full resumption of work.