UTech Staff Protest Over Unpaid Retroactive Pay, Demand Answers

Kingston, Jamaica — A large group of administrative, technical, and ancillary staff at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) took to the streets early this morning in protest over unpaid retroactive pay, leaving some workers struggling to make ends meet. The protest, which saw many workers dressed in black, involved blocking and padlocking the university’s entrances in a dramatic display of dissatisfaction.

Janet Grayson, president of the University of Technology Administrative Staff Association, voiced the frustration of the workers, who are still waiting for retroactive payments owed to them for years. These payments stem from a government-led public sector reclassification exercise that took place three years ago. Despite the agreement, Grayson said the stipulations have yet to be fully implemented for non-academic staff at the institution.

“This is beyond frustrating. It’s inconsiderate, it’s disrespectful, and it has gone on for far too long,” Grayson said. “We are still waiting to hear when the government and the university will honor their commitment to pay us the retroactive funds we’re owed.”

Protesters could be seen holding placards with messages such as “If no poverty is a priority for all, then somebody forgot about the tertiary level workers” and “We broke and we wah we money.” The crowd, chanting and singing in defiance, made it clear that they will not back down until they get a clear payment date.

Grayson explained that a previous agreement stated the retroactive payments would be made by the end of the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2025. However, despite assurances that the payments would be implemented in March, there has been no set date for the retroactive payment itself.

“The discussion was that we would receive our pay by the end of this fiscal year, but when we pressed for clarity last week, we were told no firm date for retroactive payments could be provided,” Grayson stated. “Unlike other sectors, we’ve received no official notification of when these payments will be made.”

The financial strain on UTech’s staff has been significant, with some workers even struggling to afford basic necessities. Grayson noted that the lack of payment has begun to impact staff performance, leading to staff absenteeism, financial distress, and mental health issues. Some staff members are unable to pay simple bills and have even had to take drastic steps to get by, such as sharing meals like a single patty and drink for lunch.

“People are physically sick. Some are facing mental health challenges because they can’t pay their bills. Others are dealing with loan institutions hounding them for payments,” Grayson said, describing the dire situation many staff are facing. “Staff are showing up to work exhausted, struggling to keep their heads above water. It’s affecting our ability to perform, and it’s affecting the university as a whole.”

Last week, Grayson met with the president of UTech and government representatives, but the conversation offered little in terms of resolution. As frustration continues to grow, staff have vowed to remain resolute in their demand for a firm date for retroactive pay.

“We will not relent until we get a date. We will keep fighting until our voices are heard and we are paid what we are owed,” Grayson affirmed.

The ongoing protest reflects growing concerns over financial instability within the education sector and the impact it is having on staff and students alike. The staff of UTech are determined to see a resolution to their financial struggles, demanding that the university and government fulfill their promises without further delay.