| The University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) is prepared to take legal action, if necessary,Vic Beasley Jr Falcons Jersey, to retaliate to what is described as the unprecedented appointment of Dr Parsram Thakur as the Director of the University of Guyana Tain Campus.This newspaper understands that Dr Thakur,Brett Favre Falcons Jersey, the former Director, had severed his relations with the university by not reapplying for the post when his contract expired. He was, however, reappointed by a senior university official.The union, as a result,Tyson Jackson Falcons Jersey, is arguing that the reappointment was not legal, since the position of Director can only be filled through a council appointment.“What we are not clear on in law is if the official (name withheld), without the council approval, can make an appointment. If he can do that,Lawrence Timmons Steelers Jersey, then that is a serious, serious flaw in the law, and the union cannot accept that,Kevin Greene Steelers Jersey, because we feel that the council should make those appointments,” a union spokesperson speculated.According to the spokesperson, if the action taken by the official is found to be legal, then the question of what is the role of the council members must be brought to the fore. “Do we just come to rubber stamp things? Do we just come when the agenda is a convenience for the powers that be, or do we come to sit down as equals and make decisions?”The spokesperson claims that the union is contesting the appointment, and is awaiting word as to whether the official has the authority to disregard the council’s involvement in such a substantial appointment.“Could this be done? Can he make a decision to appoint such position without the council deliberating on it? We have not yet gone to our lawyers, but we are waiting for the word as to whether this could happen…then we would ask our lawyers to come in…”In the meantime, the spokesperson disclosed,Javon Hargrave Steelers Jersey, the union members have written to the union contending that they cannot accept Dr Thakur. They cited reasons, among which are the absence of consultation with them, and their desire for the person acting to be allowed to continue.“We have to take their feelings into consideration. We want to believe that their feelings are based on legitimate grievances, because of the way the thing was done.”According to the spokesperson for the union, even if there were no applicants for the position,Ernie Stautner Steelers Jersey, there is no proper logic to explain how Dr Thakur was appointed,Grady Jarrett Falcons Jersey, even without consultation at the university administration level.The spokesperson disclosed that, while an appointment was necessary,Jack Lambert Steelers Jersey, the spirit of cooperation was very much lacking in the whole process.“We think the appointment was just bad in every dimension, and we are suggesting that two things be done: the position is re-advertised and that someone be allowed to act in that position…” the spokesperson asserted. |
