As lecturers and other staff members resumed work at the University of Guyana yesterday, many students failed to attend classes, but this may be because of ignorance of the cancellation of strike action.
The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) met Minister of Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul, on Saturday last when an agreement was made, resulting in the cancellation of a three-day strike which was scheduled to begin yesterday.
Stabroek News contacted President of the UGSSA, Dr Patsy Francis, who said she did not expect a full turnout of the student population yesterday since she understands that many students reside outside Georgetown and as a result, may not have gotten the news of class resumption.
“It seemed as though a lot of the students were not quite back… I spoke to some of them and they said they hadn’t seen the news… we have to give them a few days before all students are back,” she said.
She further stated that though the Turkeyen campus has not returned to normalcy, it has been a little bit more vibrant.
Francis disclosed that a meeting among staff members was held yesterday during lunch period and pointed out that it was well attended by lecturers.
“We had to bring everyone up to date and tell them what had transpired and enlist them in the process of going forward… everyone needs to be onboard,” she said.
She noted that high on their agenda is to meet and discuss the issue of the termination of lecturers since this is expected to be dealt with after a week of full resumption.
“Negotiations with contracts have to begin late this week or early next week… the termination of the lecturers will be the first one we present arguments on,” she stated.
