Frequently Asked Questions
What is WIGUT?
The West Indies Group of Teachers is a Union for representing Academic, Senior Administrative and Professional Staff of the UWI.
Who may join WIGUT?
Academic, Senior Administrative and Professional Staff with at least two consecutive one-year contracts with the University.
What are the benefits to becoming a part of the WIGUT?
There are many benefits to joining the WIGUT. More information about this can be viewed on the Forms page.
Who may I talk to for more information?
Any member of the WIGUT Executive may be contacted for more information. All of their contact information is listed on the Contact Information page.
Who does WIGUT represent?
WIGUT is recognised by the University as the exclusive bargaining agent for the Academic, Senior Administrative and Professional Staff. WIGUT represents staff on full-time contracts who are in establishment posts in accordance with UGC/CGC funding.
Am I automatically a member of WIGUT on joining the staff of the University?
No. You must apply for membership on the prescribed form. This form is usually included in the package that the Human Resources Department gives to you on employment.
What are the criteria for membership?
Membership is open to all full-time members of the Academic, Senior Administrative and Professional Staff of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Professional Staff include members of the Library Staff from the grade of Senior Library Assistant and above as well as Information Technology Staff.
What are the benefits of membership?
WIGUT engages in normal union activities, which includes negotiating compensation benefits for staff, as well as engaging the UWI management in refining the rules which govern the working relationship between staff represented by the union and the management (Blue Book). WIGUT also assists in managing conflicts between staff (individually and collectively) with their superiors/management. In this regard, WIGUT utilises mediation before invoking grievance mechanisms.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership dues are currently $75.00 per month which is deducted from a member’s salary. The subscription period shall run from the beginning of October in one year to the end of September in the next year.
How long after a member joins WIGUT (that is, dues are taken out of salary), can WIGUT represent the member?
3 months.
Under what conditions can a member be considered lapsed?
If any member’s annual subscription is in arrears for more than one year, his or her membership shall be deemed to have lapsed.
How can a lapsed members be re-instated?
A lapsed member is re-instated when he/she writes to WIGUT asking to be re-instated ,while at the same time directing the Bursary to deduct WIGUT subscriptions for his/her salary.
What happens to my membership when I am on no-pay leave?
Membership lapses once a member becomes non-financial. Normally, members proceeding on no-pay leave pay subscriptions for the period of their leave prior to departing. Effectively, if a member proceeds on no-pay leave, and did not make prior arrangements for the payment of subscriptions, membership can lapse, and on return the staff member, on directing the University to deduct WIGUT subscriptions, will be re-instated.
How can a member resign from the Union?
Any member may resign at any time by writing to the Secretary to that effect. Any member who resigns is contracted to pay the full membership fee for the year and is therefore not entitled to any refund, nor may the member withhold any part of the subscription for that year.
If I have a problem/concern whom do I contact?
You may contact any member of the Executive. Their contact information can be found on the WIGUT website or via the University’s Staff Directory.
What issues/situations might be considered a grievance?
Issues/situations related to staff being hindered in carrying out their duties, as well as where the rules may not be correctly applied can degenerate into a grievance. Each issue/situation is normally considered on its own merit.
How often does WIGUT meet?
WIGUT is constitutionally required to have an Annual General Meeting. All other meetings called General Meetings are called either:
- at the direction of a previous General Meeting;
- forthwith at the written request of ten members;
- as deemed advisable by the Executive Committee.
So the number of meetings will vary depending on the circumstances.
When are elections for the WIGUT Executive Committee held?
At the Annual General Meeting of the Union normally in early December but in any event not later than the last day of the first semester of the Academic year.
Are there term limits for members of the Executive?
Each committee member shall be elected for a period of one year and shall be eligible for re-election.
Are there any special requirements for Executive Membership?
In order to offer himself or herself for election to the Executive, a member must be in good financial standing.
What is FSSU?
Members of Academic, Senior Administrative and Professional Staff are required to join the Federated Superannuation System for Universities (FSSU) of which the University is a participating institution. Membership in the FSSU is compulsory for the members of staff on full-time contracts of employment in excess of two years. This is a money-purchase pension scheme whereby the employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of the member’s basic salary and the member contributes a compulsory 5% of his or her basic salary. Additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) may be made by the member, in amounts not to exceed 5% of basic salary.
The FSSU Members’ Explanatory Handbook can be found here.
What is WIGUT’s role in the University’s Pension Scheme (FSSU)?
In the University Pension Scheme (FSSU), the University is the Trustee. As the Trustee, the University has established an advisory committee to assist it in making decisions in relation to pensions. WIGUT holds membership on that Advisory Committee.
What is WIGUT’s role in the University’s House and Car Loan Schemes?
Many years ago, WIGUT negotiated with the University to establish favourable loan schemes to assist staff in acquisition of a house or car. The University, in turn has negotiated with Republic Bank the terms and conditions for the provision of these loans. While WIGUT does not sign off on such terms and conditions, WIGUT is normally engaged in those negotiations, if only to ensure their members interests. Moreover, when a staff member applies for a loan, WIGUT with the UWI management, must recommend the loan before it can be effected under this scheme.