A successful first round of negotiations in the Collective Agreement bargaining unit 2003-2005 between staff at the St Augustine Campus and Government culminated with a signing at the Office of the Campus Principal on February 16, 2006.

Describing the negotiations as a “trying and difficult time for employees while getting the authorities to agree,” Campus Principal, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie said the wait was worthwhile since he felt that people who work within the knowledge industry should earn appropriate wages in keeping with the level of contribution of the industry.

The negotiations were led by Dennis Stapleton, OWTU Representative for UWI.

The Principal added that as both parties sought to ready themselves to commence another set of negotiations, he hoped that the spirit of mutual trust was strong enough that whatever disagreements may arise would be eventually ironed out through discussion and without disruption.

“Let us not adopt a confrontational mode, but try as best to work out ways and means of overcoming differences that are sure to emerge,” said Dr. Tewarie.

Emphasising the great importance of the relationship shared between the negotiating parties, Dr. Tewarie felt this could lead to a “wholesome way of dealing with circumstances, because of the trust established between the Union and UWI and because of the willingness of both parties to look at the big picture.”

“I want to thank them for making the negotiations and signing easy and making the next round even easier … for we must not yield any ground for the further development of UWI,” said Dr. Tewarie.

Also present at the signing was President General of the OWTU, Errol McLeod, who underscored the point that “we must not lose sight, that we must argue and win terms and conditions so that those we represent are well protected and sheltered. We must also seek to provide for the whole rather than simply seek the interest of a few.” The President General emphasised that all he was interested in was a fair deal for his workers and he felt that there was enough goodwill between OWTU and UWI to make that possible.