While the University of Guyana’s unions appreciate former Vice-Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith’s decision not to seek a contract renewal, they said on Thursday that they are also still insisting on having several things done, including a financial audit of the institution’s books.
After constant back and forth between the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU), and the university’s administration dating back to last year, Griffith last week indicated his intention to not seek a renewal of his contract.
This had come after Pro-Chancellor Major-General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh had made a round- robin decision to keep Griffith on the job and to pay him in lieu of leave as he had signaled his intention of seeking a renewal of his contract.
However, constant pressure from the unions had resulted in the decision being rescinded and Griffith being sent on leave, but being paid in excess of $1.2 million for working 12 days instead of being on leave.
At a Council meeting two Fridays ago, Griffith communicated that he had no interest in renewing his contract.
A press release from the unions on Thursday evening said that Thursday marked the official end of Griffith’s contract with the university, and in the wake of his decision to withdraw his letter of consideration for another contract, they wanted to make a number of observations.
“Professor Griffith’s decision is appreciated as one which spares the University from enduring further months of instability and turmoil. The Unions hope that the institution will be able to embark on a period of healing and rebuilding which will be for the benefit of all, especially staff and students,” the statement said.
It added that while they support the Council’s decision to have a management audit, they are also insisting on a financial audit as there are extremely important questions that need to be answered as the university moves to do essential institutional strengthening and they “believe both audits are the best ways to answer these questions.”
The unions are also insisting that all senior administrators at UG must be subjected to evaluations, as is the case with all faculty and staff.
“Some of these administrators have been in post for more than five years and have never been evaluated. The University’s Council must prioritise this exercise so that it can be completed before the commencement of the new semester,” the statement said.
The unions are also insisting on the reapplication of transparent hiring procedures that were “violated over the past three years”, as well as the reapplication of salary and remuneration in conformity with UG’s Act and Statutes.
“All the staff except those appointed by the University Council must fall within UG’s salary bands. The practice of selected and favoured individuals being offered super salaried packages must cease,” the statement said.
The unions added that since ensuring improved conditions for the staff and students has always been the highest priority for them, they have asked for urgent meetings with the Transitional Management Team.
These meetings are intended to address matters that have been “neglected over the last few years”, including the resumption of negotiations to facilitate the signature of a collective labour agreement.
“We look forward to fruitful and rewarding engagement and partnership with the Transitional Management Team to improve the conditions across the University in time for the new academic year,” the statement added.
