The University of Guyana Administration Committee yesterday met with representatives of ‘Operation Rescue UG’ but failed to reach an agreement to address the dismissal of lecturers, including Freddie Kissoon.
The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) formed the coalition almost seven weeks ago to protest the conditions at the Turkeyen campus and the termination of lecturers’ contracts, including that of Kissoon.
After industrial action, discussions between the UGWU and the UGSSA and the Ministry of Labour resulted in the signing of terms of resumption. This involved the Ministry’s assurance to conciliate on the contract terminations after a week of class resumption. Nevertheless, almost two weeks after lecturers and other staff members resumed work, no progress has been made.
Stabroek News contacted Vice President of the UGSSA Dr. Melissa Ifill last evening and she indicated that the gulf between the administration and the three unions remains.
“We are committed to finding a solution, we are committed to finding an outcome that respects the rights of workers,” she stated.
Ifill pointed out that if the administration is unwilling to consider their views, then they will be forced to reconsider their actions.
“Today (yesterday) we were hopeful to come to a common position but it appears as though the administration haven’t moved much from their original position… there hasn’t been any movement really,” she said.
However, Ifill said she and her colleagues are determined to push for arbitration in the matter and noted that this is something that has already been placed on the agenda.
“Hopefully this is a process both parties will agree to. If the administration does not agree then we will have to meet… We may resume formal action. We have to have this issue resolved. If they do not agree then we will take the necessary steps,” she affirmed.
