About Us
Democratization
Our next significant struggle was for the democratization of the University to put an end to the hegemony of a narrow group of administrators. This issue simmered through the seventies and gave rise to the whole process of restructuring of the University. Unfortunately, the efforts of the Union, strenuous though they have been, have proved insufficient to being about the broadening of decision making. The structures to be implemented in October, 1983 largely maintain the narrow deciding bodies and allow for greater single-government interference by way of financing and administration. It is a structure that will continue to create discontent.
WIGUT into the Eighties
The Union continued to negotiate for our members in
the 1978-81 and 1981-84 triennial. In both cases, negotiations
were completed well over a year after they began, reflecting
the clumsiness and delaying tactics of the U.G.C. negotiating
process. However, several gains were registered, including
a House Loan Scheme, Transportation Allowance and increases
to Research funding of the University. We also had made
full use of our Grievance Procedure agreement with Management.
The Union developed over this period close and friendly
relations with other campus sectors via their elected
bodies. We also expanded our social activities, often
in collaboration with the S.C.R. including some successful
fetes, although we are still deficient in sports activities.
We have sought to maintain professional stimuli by hosting
talks and discussions on a range of academic topics,
most recently the question of the Polytechnic of Jamaica.
Organizationally, the Union has consolidated itself
with an active 17-member Executive, a regular Journal,
now in its fifth year, and a high membership level of
between 80 and 85% of the bargaining unit, which was
extended in 1983/84 to members of the Norman Manley
Law School and the Bahamas-base lectures in Tourism.
The three most important areas for our activities in
the eighties will be to:
(i) struggle against the crushing economic pressures
that erode our living standards faster than we can negotiate.
(ii) struggle to preserve the academic integrity of
the campus under the restructured University.
(iii) find ways of involving more members in the activities
of the Union to strengthen our capacity for struggle
and for providing the services our members need.