UG Lecturers agree to 8% salary increase

After extensive negotiations, the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) agreed to accept the offer of an 8% salary increase.

According to a statement from UG, the offer caters for a salary increase of 8% across the board for the 2017 calendar year, retroactive to January 2017, for support staff at the University of Guyana classified as UB (full-time and part-time). Salary adjustments and retroactive payments will be made in the payroll for November 2017.

UG said the offer from the Administration was made in the context of what was affordable, in keeping with the mandate from the University Council and stressed the importance of performance. Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith said, “I am delighted that we are able to close this chapter and begin paying the increases. This agreement also sets the stage for a new normal at the university, where performance is just as important as payment, and where accountability and affordability are key to enhancing entrepreneurship.”

He further stated that, “in terms of affordability, these increases are not our only financial obligations. We still have an average of 4.5 percent merit award to fund, as well as allowances for travelling, entertainment, uniforms, and academic materials. We also have to worry about study leave (salary and housing for three months), sabbatical leave (salary and housing for 12 months), leave passage, and duty allowances for Coordinators, Heads, and Deans.”

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Vice-Chancellor Griffith representing the University Administration and Mr Bruce Haynes, President of the UGWU.

The signing took place at the Ministry of Social Protection and was witnessed by Ms Karen Van Sluytman, Deputy Chief Labour Officer.