UG workers to be paid late again

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:01 by GxMedia

For a second straight month, University of Guyana workers are not going to be paid on time because the tertiary institution does not have sufficient money.

A circular to all staff issued on Thursday by Personnel Officer Jeffrey Walcott states that every effort is being made to pay salaries by June 25.
 

“Since we have received an inadequate subvention, we are unable to make payments as planned,” said Walcott.

That correspondence almost immediately sparked off industrial unrest on campus with staffers under the umbrella of the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) holding a meeting and picketing exercise.

President of the UGWU, Bruce Haynes said a sit-in and picketing demonstration are planned for Friday. “We have to continue the process and we have to resist it,” he said.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand said “the matter is being addressed by the Ministry of Finance.”

Demwaves was told that UG is normally provided a subvention of an estimated GUY$60 million but the institution has been asking for about GUY$120 million.

The UGWU President explained that the university needed additional cash at the end of the semester to pay part time lecturers’ emoluments, and study and vacation leave allowances in addition to other expenses.