PHILIPSBURG – The WIFOL union and the University of St. Martin have reached an agreement concerning the functioning of the Management Team. This agreement came two weeks ago, on August 13, after several meetings, and through the intervention of the central government mediator, Mr. Kenneth Lopes and Management Team lawyer Peggy Ann Brandon. The Foundation of the University of St. Martin expressed its position that the Management Team should resume functioning under the President of USM.
The Management Team is comprised of the following positions at USM: President of the University, Dean of Academic Affairs, Registrar, Admissions Director, Marketing Director, and Student Counselor. The President is the appointed chair of the Management Team and is ultimately responsible for all decisions.
With this agreement, the Management Team was expanded to also include the IT Network Specialist and the new CFO. An outline of the scope of work has been tentatively agreed upon within this operational team. Additionally, some adjustments to the organizational structure await formalization in an upcoming Quarterly Board meeting. All parties agreed upon the operational scope and the minor adjustments of the organizational chart in the meeting held on August 13, 2009. The agreement was reached in the presence of the mediator Mr. Kenneth Lopes, who dealt with all discussions and amendments.
In essence, the Management Team scope of responsibilities remains unchanged. The concept has been in place for at least 10 years and has always been under the direction of the USM President. The responsibilities of the Management Team stretch from ensuring the smooth running of the operations to recommending proposals.
According to WIFOL President, Theophilus Thompson, “We are now looking for a formal MOU to be signed and expect the CLA to follow suit within short.” Thompson commended the USM Foundation for acknowledging the importance of the Management Team and its reinstatement and noted that the team comprised of “young, talented professionals” who remained focused and persistent in ensuring that their rights were not compromised throughout the process and hope that this steadfastness remain for the upcoming negotiation between WIFOL and USM for the CLA.
President Fleming is pleased with the outcome and is grateful to all parties, in particular Mr. Lopes, who objectively brought this matter to a close so that all could get back to work to move the University forward. The results are a win-win for all, she said.
“USM has a bright future ahead of it and it is wonderful that the feeling of a team has re-emerged as this will ensure the success of USM,” said the President of the Board, Lockie Johnson. A date has yet to be set for the first Management Team meeting.