UTech academic staff to suspend issuing grades amid compensation demand

Students at the University of Technology, Jamaica are to face delays in receiving grades as lecturers have decided to halt issuing results as they press the government on unresolved salary issues.

In a statement today, the University of Technology Academic Staff Union (UTASU) said it has reluctantly decided to act in response to the government's failure to provide a compensation review proposal.

“Consequently, UTASU members will suspend all grade entries for Semester one 2023/4 until we receive the compensation review proposal for review and consideration,” it stated.

“This decision was not taken lightly, but it is a necessary step to emphasise the urgent need for the compensation review to be completed,” the union continued.

UTASU represents well over 300 academic staff at the university.

It said it remains open to continued dialogue and urges the government to reconsider its position “acknowledging the importance of fair compensation in fostering a positive and productive work environment.

“UTASU hopes that this action will prompt the government to prioritise the well-being of the staff and expedite the delivery of a compensation review proposal.”

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