Written By Georgetta Williams

The West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT) has suspended its industrial action to allow for dialogue about their concerns at the local level.

WIGUT Vice President Charmaine McKenzie says the Ministry of Labour requested that the matter be returned to the local level for negotiation.

The parties met at the Labour Ministry yesterday after WIGUT indicated that lecturers would take industrial action.

The group says the management of the University of the West Indies, Mona has not responded to their concerns about changes to health and pension benefits, which would affect new staff members joining on August 1.

Among the planned changes is management’s reduction of its pension contribution from 10 to 5 per cent.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Ms. McKenzie said the lecturers were asked to resume normal duties this morning while dialogue takes place.