peter.christopher@guardian.co.tt
Concern, but not panic is the current situation at the University of the West Indies (UWI) after a threat of industrial action was issued by academic, senior administrative and professional staff.
UWI St Augustine principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine said she is just as anxious as her staff about the state of wage negotiations which have been in limbo for several years. There has been no change in staff wages since 2014.
“We are well aware that if negotiations break down or they are not coming to fruition as is the case that industrial action is the usual response of a union. So from that point of view and we take it very seriously,” she said at the launch of the UWI-Roytec and Coca-Cola Growing Together Programme.
Professor Belle Antoine said she, like the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT), is awaiting word from the Chief Personnel Officer on the next step in negotiations. However, she acknowledged the action taken by staff was done during a period when no classes will be disrupted on campus.
However, the UWI staff threatened to withhold grades and exams if negotiations remained stalled.
“At this point, I don’t think there is any panic on the part of anyone. What we are attempting to do and continue to do is to get that remit, to get that response from the CPO. As soon as we have definite word I have promised the union and the staff that I will communicate very clearly,” said Belle Antoine, who specialises in labour law and industrial relations.
She said industrial action is an option available to the union but she is hopeful a resolution can be reached.
“Of course, the campus will always be concerned from all aspects. We are concerned that we have not moved forward in negotiations and of course, we would always have to be concerned if there is industrial action, I mean industrial action is probably a way of life but it is always disruptive.
“Of course, it’s a last resort but nobody wants industrial action, including the union I’m sure,” she said.
Belle Antoine said that she is doing all she can to get negotiations going promptly.
“If anyone can say to me what else I can do, I am willing to do it. I am just as anxious as my staff and the union to get a remit and begin negotiations and have successful negotiations. I can assure you, I can speak for myself, I can say to you we are doing everything in our power officially and unofficially to get an official response and to get a remit,” she said.