KINGSTON, Jamaica – Academic and senior administrative staff at the Mona campus University of the West Indies (UWI) are planning to begin industrial action on Friday over demands for the payment of interim pay increases, while a compensation review takes place.
The Jamaica chapter of the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT) had first issued the threat of industrial action on the UWI and the Jamaica government on November 30, following an emergency meeting of its members.
The union, which represents approximately 900 academics, senior administrative and professional staff, has in a newsletter headlined “ Action Time” set January 5 for the start of the action.
WIGUT Jamaica president, Professor Paul Brown, said talks have been held with the university’s management but there have 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 Jamaica Gleaner newspaper on Tuesday.
WIGUT has complained about there being “no meaningful offer on an interim financial relief/ cost-of-living package” while a compensation review takes place.
The union is seeking 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 union said in the newsletter, warning 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.
“Our main paymaster, the Government of Jamaica, is our target. Sadly, protest action is the only way now to get their attention. We should exercise discretion and flexibility where required. We should, at all costs, avoid any long-term harm to those whom we serve,” the union said in the newsletter.
The UWI and the finance ministry are reportedly finalizing 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.
UWI Mona Registrar Dr Donovan Stanberry told the Gleaner newspaper that 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 Andrew Holness government.
