by Linda Straker
- Some workers employed with SGU for over 20 years
- Deadline is today, 22 October 2021 to inform management of their vaccination status
- Labour Commissioner Cyrus Griffith hosted a conciliation meeting on 20 October 2021
- Will make recommendations in 2 weeks
Workers at St George’s University (SGU) who began protest action in June because of the institution’s mandate to have only fully vaccinated persons employed among its staff and faculty, have until today 22 October 2021 to inform the management of their vaccination status, or else will forfeit their jobs and severance payment.
SGU employs approximately 800 Grenadians. Fewer than 60 of the 450 unionised staff have taken protest action objecting to the mandatory policy of the university. Since 15 June, the workers are off the job and were placed on 3 months leave without pay.
“The SGU Team led by local corporate lawyer, Dickon Mitchell opined that were the workers to not meet the demand by SGU to inform of their decision to be vaccinated or not vaccinated by October 22, 2021, their services will be terminated by January 2022,” said a news release from the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union (GTAWU).
Labour Commissioner Cyrus Griffith hosted a conciliation meeting on 20 October 2021 in an attempt to resolve the dispute between GTAWU and SGU involving the university’s insistence on mandatory vaccination.
The union said that the Labour Commissioner has indicated he will make recommendations in 2 weeks following the meeting. However, the union is of the opinion that it is improper to ask the workers to make a decision by 22 October 2021 without knowing the outcome of the exercise at the Ministry of Labour.
The news release said that the union team led by Senator André Lewis reiterated its position that there must be exemption for breastfeeding mothers and religious beliefs as well as severance payment consistent with the Union Agreement and Employment Act, for workers who have stated they have no interest in being vaccinated.
The union said that SGU management is claiming that workers who refuse to be vaccinated have abandoned their jobs and as a result are not entitled to compensation for their years of service. Some of the workers have been employed with SGU for over 20 years.
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Enroll these unvaccinated people in basic science class – teach them – they do NOT understand science !! Science will set you free
Some of the signs show lack of knowledge and probably better not to have such employees . After all SGU is an institution of higher learning. Send these confused people back to science class- the obviously do NOT understand how science works
The unvaccinated are deluded and are at risk and are creating unsafe situations . Vaccinate or move out of the way !
I also hope that those who are vaccinated and feel they’re ok are also prepared to get the booster shot and the flu vaccine! In women it disrupts our cycle which is very disturbing. This is only a start.
Vaccines do NOT disturb your “cycle”. Misinformation! Again!
Know the facts. Yes I am a medical professional
SGU cannot withhold severance pay and benefits. The condition of employment, being vaccinated, was not agreed to BEFORE these persons were hired. You seem to think SGU can make up their own rules as to whether Labour laws are respected. They also can off errors the option of these persons being tested on a regular basis to retain their jobs.
As a person who has benefited from both Grenada and SGU, I stand with the workers on this one. They are not a threat, and their years of service are undervalued. Thank you to all the Grenadians helping to keep SGU going. I’m sorry the administration is doing this. Vaccines save lives, but the shouldn’t cost jobs.
Vaccines save lives…I agree. Unvaccinated people cost lives. Grow up people. You got measles, mumps, polio etc vaccines. No different with the covid vaccine.
Shut up and get the jab. Stop being so selfish. Grenadians are better than that!
I think people who choose to not get vaccinated should be truly mindful of other and self-quarantine themselves. There is nothing religious in the Caribbean about getting a simple vaccine.
Good luck!
SGU is making wisest decision. I only hope other employers follow their lead. COVID-19 is no joke and until we all actively follow the Public Health protocols and recommendations, we won’t be free of it.