Resumption of Work for Lecturers
Lecturers across the country are preparing to return to their workplaces following the signing of a return-to-work formula between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the government. This agreement marks a significant step in restoring industrial harmony and protecting the rights of academic staff.
Grace Nyongesa, the National Chairperson of UASU, outlined the details of the deal during an interview on NTV. She described it as a major achievement in ensuring that the rights of lecturers are safeguarded. One of the union’s key priorities was securing job guarantees for its members, many of whom had faced disciplinary threats during the strike.
“When people are out on strike, there are threats from employers. The first thing is to ensure we guarantee the jobs for our members,” she said.
Under the signed formula, UASU agreed to immediately call off the strike once the agreement took effect. In return, the Inter-Public Universities Consultative Council Forum (IPUCCF) committed to withdrawing all disciplinary actions initiated during the industrial action.
“Any disciplinary or intended disciplinary actions, including but not limited to show-cause letters, warning letters, interdictions, suspensions or dismissals, are hereby withdrawn unconditionally and revoked with immediate effect,” reads part of the document.
The agreement further affirms that no member will lose their job, benefits or salary for participating in the strike. Nyongesa revealed that some lecturers had faced suspension, illegal lockouts, and other punitive measures that barred them from accessing their workplaces. The union had insisted that such measures be revoked before members could return to work.
Financial Component of the Agreement
The deal also includes a financial component. UASU and the government agreed on a payment plan for the outstanding Sh7.9 billion owed to lecturers. The first installment of Sh3.9 billion will be released in December, while the second tranche remains under discussion.
The Phase Two arrears under the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), amounting to Sh2.73 billion, have been marked as settled pending final verification by the Joint Local Implementation Committees.
“We are citizens of this country and we see money flying everywhere every day. Where are our priorities? Are we not a priority in the education sector?” Nyongesa asked, expressing frustration over the delayed payments.
She noted that initial government proposals to spread the payments across three tranches up to 2029 were rejected by 98 per cent of union delegates. However, the talks later progressed with the involvement of Deputy President Kindiki, culminating in a two-tranche offer.
“It’s been a long process, but we hope this sets a precedent for how academic staff are treated moving forward,” Nyongesa said.
Impact on the Education Sector
This agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector. It ensures that lecturers can return to their roles without fear of losing their jobs or facing disciplinary actions. The financial settlement also addresses the long-standing issue of unpaid salaries, which had caused significant distress among academic staff.
The resolution of these issues is seen as a critical step in maintaining stability within universities and ensuring that the quality of education remains unaffected. The collaboration between UASU and the government demonstrates a commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding.
As the academic community looks ahead, the hope is that this agreement will serve as a model for future negotiations and set a standard for fair treatment of academic staff. With the resumption of work, lecturers can focus on their responsibilities and contribute to the continued development of the education sector.