KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lecturers at the University of Technology Jamaica and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus are on strike on Monday morning amid preparations for the upcoming school year, Observer Online understands.

Communication from the University of Technology, Jamaica Academic Staff Union (UTASU) seen by Observer Online indicated that the industrial action will include refusal to submit marks as well as non-engagement in orientation activities and planning meetings for the new school year.

The strike will possibly affect exams and administrative functions as members of the bargaining unit have been advised to refrain from teaching and examination activities, working outside normal hours, and attending meetings or any other assigned duties.

While acknowledging that the actions could require difficult decisions in the execution of their normal duties, the organisation, however, urged members not to engage in any activities that undermine, circumvent, or weaken the industrial action, or that could facilitate union-busting efforts.

Observer Online understands that staff at the UWI are also conducting strike action.

The strike action comes on the cusp of the new school year, which usually begins in late August.