UG’s financial management questioned by staff
The financial management of the University of Guyana, (UG) is being brought into question by several lecturers and employees attached to the institution. There are concerns over UG’s spending, that employees staged a picketing exercise in calls for an independent audit of the books. During a picketing exercise on Monday at the Turkeyen Campus, members and executives of University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) told the media of their concerns. “UG is spending money which is not accounted for. The University is paying for accommodation, food and travel of experts, but fails to provide proof of how the money is expended or whether these people are actual
“We believe that there is some level of misappropriation as it relates to the finances and we want to see some scrutiny. President of the UGSSA, Jewel Thomas told members of the media that the funds could be plugged into an area that is most needed. She pointed to a need of developing the teaching space.
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“We need adequate furniture and teaching materials. Instead, we are seeing expenditure in areas that we don’t consider a priority,” UGSSA President said. “The response came saying that they really don’t have any more money for 2018 for wages and salaries, but they would sit and negotiate less important things”, Thomas highlighted. During the conciliation meeting, the University Administration indicated its willingness to co-operate with the Ministry and facilitate the Conciliation process. “It is worthy to note that the CLO pointed out that in keeping with standard industrial relations practice, the threats of various industrial actions must be withdrawn as a prerequisite for cordial discussion, and negotiations in good faith. While the Unions did not give a commitment to withdraw the threat, they promised to consult with their members and advise the Ministry of Social Protection in writing on February 13, 2019 (today) on the way forward.”
(Kaieteur News)