UWI campus remains deserted

STUDENTS and lecturers continued to stay away from classes at UWI, St Augustine yesterday, the second consecutive “black day” undertaken by the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT.) The industrial action went on even as lengthy negotiations continued between WIGUT and the campus administration. The parties met yesterday for marathon talks, following Wednesday’s  three-hour meeting. Union president Vishnudat Singh said Wednesday they were “encouraged by the significant progress in the negotiations and as a consequence, we anticipate a speedy return to normalcy on the campus.”

He also indicated that the inability to contact members of the union could have resulted in the continued absence of lecturers yesterday. When Newsday visited the campus yesterday morning, there were few students on campus with even fewer classes in progress. Those classes were conducted by assistant teachers and lab assistants — non- WIGUT members. Executive member of the Students Guild, Sandy Latchman, confirmed there were “one or two classes.” She said the campus was virtually empty, considering the number of students attending UWI.

She pointed out that there are usually no classes from noon to 4 pm on “terrific Thursdays” to facilitate activities planned by the Guild to “bring students together.” The measure was instituted last semester. WIGUT officials have said they will hold “makeup” classes, pointing out that students welfare was of primary concern. They also noted that their actions were timed so there will be minimal disruption of classes. WIGUT members would meet today at noon to get an update on the negotiations. The union is being offered 15 percent for the period 2002 to 2005. It is distributed at three, four and eight percent with a three percent regional allowance in the third year.