University of Technology Rocked by 2-Front Dispute with Staff Union

The University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM), is facing a significant institutional conflict after its employees’ union accused the university of an “illegal” appointment and denying its representatives access to a campus school. The University of Technology Employees Union (UTMEU) has lodged a formal complaint with the UTM’s Director General, citing two “serious situations” regarding the School of Business, Management and Finance (SBMF).

Access Refusal Deemed “Unacceptable”

The union states that its president, Vikash Seewsagur, and secretary, M. Narsoo, were blocked from accessing the SBMF premises.

The decision, conveyed by the school’s Administrative Officer, is called “unacceptable” by union officials, who feel it obstructs their ability to work.

As spokespeople for the employees, the union believes it has a legitimate right to access the premises to handle member grievances and conduct union activities.

Union Calls for Investigation into “Irregular” Appointment

According to the UTMEU, the appointment of the head of the SBMF was made without the necessary approval of the university’s Board of Governors.

The union asserts that under the University of Technology, Mauritius Act 2000, the Board of Governors is the sole authority for such decisions.

The UTMEU suggests this procedure may also violate the university’s internal recruitment and promotion policies, as well as recommendations from the Pay Research Bureau (PRB).

The union is demanding an urgent investigation into the legality of this appointment and similar positions filled over the past three years.

In its letter to the Director General, the UTMEU also requests that the access ban be lifted immediately to allow union representatives to perform their duties freely.

The union has stated its commitment to defending transparency and protecting union rights at the institution.

Union Officials Barred from Premises

The union’s president, Vikash Seewsagur, and secretary, M. Narsoo, have been barred from entering the SBMF.

This decision, communicated by the school’s Administrative Officer, has been branded “unacceptable” by union officials, who argue it hinders their ability to carry out their duties.

As the representatives of the employees, the union maintains it has a legitimate right to access the premises to address member concerns and conduct union business.

Appointment Under Scrutiny

The UTMEU’s other key complaint is the presumed irregularity in the appointment of the SBMF’s head.

The union claims this was done without the necessary approval of the Board of Governors, which, according to the University of Technology, Mauritius Act 2000, is the competent body for such decisions.

The union suggests this procedure may also violate the university’s internal recruitment and promotion policies, as well as the recommendations of the Pay Research Bureau (PRB).

The UTMEU is demanding an urgent investigation into the legitimacy of this appointment, along with similar appointments made over the last three years.

In its letter, the UTMEU urged the Director General to investigate the appointment’s compliance with the law and to immediately lift the access ban so union representatives can freely carry out their mission.

The union stressed its commitment to defending transparency in the university’s management and preserving union rights.

Source: Le Mauricien