Lecturers’ Strike: A Call for the Implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement

The ongoing strike by university lecturers in Kenya has drawn significant attention as it continues into its second week, deeply impacting the academic calendar across the nation’s public universities. The strike, initiated by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), is primarily centered around the demand for the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has faced persistent delays since its inception. This article delves into the causes of the strike, the lecturers’ grievances, and the broader implications of this situation on students, academic institutions, and the government.

Background of the CBA

The Collective Bargaining Agreement serves as a crucial framework for negotiating terms of employment, including salaries, working conditions, and other essential aspects of academic life. The 2021-2025 CBA was envisioned to address the longstanding grievances of university lecturers, many of whom have felt undervalued and underpaid relative to their counterparts in other public service sectors. Despite these provisions, the implementation of the CBA has stalled, leading to frustration among the academic staff.

The roots of the current strike date back to September 4, 2020, when UASU presented its proposals to the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF). Since then, negotiations have been marred by delays and unfulfilled promises. The lecturers argue that other public service employees received salary increments ranging from 7% to 10%, a situation they deem unfair and inequitable given that they are also government employees.

The Strike and Its Impact

As of September 18, 2024, more than 800 lecturers and university staff across 35 public universities activated a nationwide strike, resulting in class cancellations and disrupting the academic calendar for thousands of students. The strike has underscored the importance of addressing the lecturers’ demands, which encompass not only salary increases but also better working conditions and recognition of their contributions to the education sector.

The ongoing protests have not been without controversy. During a demonstration, lecturers reported alleged harassment by police, including instances of rough treatment and the use of teargas to disperse crowds. This has raised concerns about the treatment of peaceful protesters and the right to assembly, further fueling the resolve of the lecturers to continue their strike.

UASU Secretary General Constantine Wasonga has been vocal about the frustrations of the academic staff, emphasizing that the delays in negotiations have been unacceptably prolonged. He noted that other public service sectors have seen improvements in their compensation, while university lecturers have been left in the lurch, prompting calls for immediate action from the government.

Legal Intervention and Court Rulings

In response to the strike, the IPUCCF sought legal intervention, resulting in a temporary suspension of the strike by Justice Jacob Gakeri. The court deemed the matter urgent and instructed both parties to engage in negotiations to resolve the issues at hand. While the ruling provides a temporary reprieve from the strike, it also highlights the ongoing tensions between the government, university management, and the academic staff.

The judge’s order not only restrains UASU from calling for further strikes but also emphasizes the need for effective dialogue between the stakeholders. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 2, 2024, where further directions will be provided. This situation places pressure on both UASU and the government to come to the negotiating table in good faith to avoid further disruptions to the academic calendar.

Student Perspectives

The impact of the lecturers’ strike extends beyond the academic staff to the students who are now facing an uncertain future. Many students are expressing their frustration over missed classes, delays in graduation, and the overall disruption to their education. Some students have organized their own demonstrations, advocating for the lecturers’ demands, understanding that their education is directly tied to the lecturers’ working conditions.

Students are also concerned about the potential long-term effects of the strike on their careers, as delays in their studies could lead to postponed graduations and reduced opportunities in the job market. This sentiment has prompted a call for the government to take immediate action to resolve the dispute and reinstate normalcy in the academic environment.

The Government’s Role and Response

The Kenyan government faces significant pressure to address the grievances of university lecturers. Historically, the education sector has received less funding compared to other public sectors, leading to chronic underfunding and inequitable pay structures for university staff. This strike presents an opportunity for the government to reassess its priorities regarding higher education and to invest in the workforce that is essential for nurturing future generations.

The government’s response to the strike has been criticized as inadequate, with many arguing that it has failed to provide a clear roadmap for the resolution of the lecturers’ demands. Critics have called for transparency in negotiations and accountability from the IPUCCF, urging both parties to prioritize the educational needs of students over bureaucratic processes.

Moving Forward: The Need for Dialogue

The current stalemate highlights the critical need for constructive dialogue between UASU, the government, and university management. As the court proceedings continue, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of students and the academic environment. The situation demands a collaborative approach to resolving the issues at hand, ensuring that lecturers are fairly compensated while also safeguarding the educational rights of students.

In the long term, this strike serves as a wake-up call for the government to reevaluate its policies concerning higher education funding and lecturer welfare. By addressing these fundamental issues, the government can work towards fostering a more equitable and sustainable educational framework that benefits all parties involved.

Conclusion

The lecturers’ strike has exposed deep-rooted issues within Kenya’s higher education system, ranging from stalled negotiations to inadequate government funding. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The welfare of lecturers and students alike hangs in the balance, and it is essential that the government takes decisive action to restore normalcy to the academic calendar and uphold the integrity of Kenya’s education system.

In the coming weeks, as the court reconvenes and negotiations progress, the hope is that a fair and just resolution will be reached, allowing lecturers to return to their classrooms and students to resume their studies, ultimately leading to a brighter future for Kenya’s higher education landscape.