Lecturers have threatened to go on strike again next Wednesday, citing the government’s failure to honor a Return to Work Formula (RTWF) agreed upon in September. The situation has escalated as the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) prepare to take drastic measures unless their demands for salary increments are met by the looming deadline.
Background to the Dispute
The conflict between the government and university lecturers has a long history, characterized by ongoing negotiations over pay and working conditions. The most recent agreement, struck on September 26, promised a salary increment of between 7% and 10% for members of the unions, effective from October. This deal was significant in that it aimed to address grievances that had led to the initial strike action, which began on September 11.
The negotiations were mediated by the Ministry of Labour, which sought to resolve the crisis and ensure that academic activities could resume without further interruptions. The agreement included provisions for the implementation of the pay hike retroactively from July 1, 2023, as part of the two-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that covers the period from 2021 to 2025.
Under the agreed terms, salaries for assistant lecturers were to range from KSh 107,872 to KSh 166,072, while professors were to earn between KSh 224,631 and KSh 345,816. Graduate assistants were also promised increments, with their minimum pay set to range from KSh 63,647 to KSh 97,988. This pay structure was designed to reflect the vital role that university staff play in the education sector and to provide fair compensation for their contributions.
The Threat of Strike Action
Despite the agreement, the government has reportedly failed to implement the salary increments as promised, prompting UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga to issue a stark warning. Addressing the media at the UASU offices, Wasonga stated that if the new payslips reflecting the agreed increments were not issued by midnight next Tuesday, the union would not hesitate to call for a strike. He emphasized that the public should be aware of their readiness to mobilize and take action.
Wasonga’s remarks underline the growing frustration among lecturers who feel that the government has backtracked on its commitments. He stated, “Let the public know we are not going to shy away to call another strike next week… If they do not implement this CBA by midnight Tuesday [next week], just come here, I will be here.” His resolute tone signals a determination among union members to stand firm against what they perceive as a betrayal of trust.
The unions’ decision to strike again reflects a broader sentiment within the academic community regarding the government’s handling of their welfare and the importance of honoring negotiated agreements. Wasonga has called on union members to prepare for a prolonged strike, emphasizing that this time, they would only return to work once the promised increments are reflected in their bank accounts.
Historical Context of Negotiations
The journey towards the current crisis has been marked by a protracted history of negotiations that began back in 2020 when the unions first submitted their proposals for the 2021-2025 CBA. The drawn-out discussions have seen numerous setbacks, leading to frustration among university staff who feel that their needs have been sidelined. The initial strike action in September was a culmination of this frustration, as lecturers sought to draw attention to their plight and demand action from the government.
The RTWF signed in September was seen as a breakthrough, providing hope for improved pay and working conditions. However, the subsequent failure to implement the agreement has led to renewed tensions. The unions’ actions reflect a growing impatience with the government’s approach to labor relations within the higher education sector.
Implications of the Strike
Should the lecturers follow through on their threat to strike, the implications for universities and students could be severe. A strike would disrupt academic programs, affect examination schedules, and delay graduation timelines. Students, many of whom have already faced interruptions due to previous strikes, would bear the brunt of these disruptions, further complicating their educational journeys.
The potential for a strike also raises questions about the government’s commitment to investing in education and supporting university staff. A failure to resolve this dispute could undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to manage labor relations effectively and support the academic sector.
The Way Forward
As the deadline approaches, the responsibility lies with the government to act swiftly to honor its commitments and restore trust with university lecturers. Open communication and transparency in negotiations are crucial to resolving the current impasse and avoiding further disruption in the academic calendar.
Engaging in good faith negotiations that prioritize the welfare of university staff and the educational needs of students is essential. The government must demonstrate its commitment to the education sector by fulfilling its obligations under the CBA and ensuring that salary increments are implemented without delay.
In conclusion, the threat of a renewed strike by lecturers serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by university staff in Kenya. The situation calls for urgent attention from the government to address the concerns of lecturers and uphold the agreements that have been reached. Failure to do so could lead to significant consequences for the academic community and the future of higher education in the country.
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