The West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT) has threatened legal action against the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus, citing a lack of substantive response to its demands, including a call for the removal of key administrators and the withdrawal of proposed institutional changes.

On May 21, WIGUT reportedly received official correspondence from the university offering to engage in direct discussion to chart the way forward. In response, the subsequent day, the union expressed its willingness to meet but outlined several conditions for participation.

• First, the university rescinds its intention to implement the proposed changes and makes a public declaration of this to the academic community.
• Second, the union required a response from the Vice Chancellor to its statement on the loss of confidence in the ability of the University Bursar to continue in the role of Trustee for the FSSU scheme and of the University Registrar to continue in the role of Co-Chair for the Blue Book committee and the call for their immediate removal.
• Third, the union expressed that meaningful discussion would only be achieved if all the unions that represent UWI staff in Jamaica were included in such a meeting.

After receiving no response, WIGUT sent a follow-up letter to the university management on Monday, May 26. The university replied, indicating that the campus was awaiting legal advice from external counsel.

The WIGUT Executive Committee met on Tuesday, May 27, and, following deliberations, resolved to initiate further industrial action starting June 2. The action is set to continue until further notice.

The committee is urging its members at the Mona Campus, including the Western Jamaica Campus, the Regional Headquarters, and the Global Campus in Jamaica, to take the following actions in protest:

• Withdraw from all meetings (including meetings having to do with the selection of students for the upcoming academic year);
• Withhold grades and/or grade sheets, where applicable;
• Cease all teaching and learning activities, including reviewing research reports, theses, etc., and providing support in the learning environments;
• Cease to provide systems support unless an emergency arises;
• Cease to perform administrative functions; and
• Cease to perform non-essential clinical services.

These recommendations apply to part-time and adjunct staff in grades represented by WIGUT (Jamaica).

Also, staff who have completed marking scripts and have gradesheets ready are urged to submit them before the commencement of the new protest action.