UASU Issues Strike Notice Over Salary Delays and Reductions
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice in response to ongoing delays and partial payment of their full salaries, a situation they argue has become untenable.
The potential strike threatens to disrupt academic activities in public universities nationwide, especially as new and returning students are set to arrive next month.
After a National Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wesonga indicated that the strike notice could lead to a halt in learning across all public universities from September.
Wesonga pointed out that the persistent salary delays and the decision by the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) to issue July salaries at a reduced rate of 65 percent were unacceptable.
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The Union asserted that it would not tolerate any further reductions or delays in salary payments. Wesonga emphasized that the Union would mobilize its members to protest if the situation is not rectified.
Criticism of Partial Salary Payments
The Union’s grievances extend beyond the delayed salaries. Wesonga remarked that it is unreasonable to pay lecturers only 65 percent of their salary without reducing their workload by the same proportion.
He questioned the logic behind expecting full work output from staff who are not receiving their full compensation.
Wesonga also highlighted the broader implications of the salary delays on the welfare of academic staff in public universities. He expressed concern that the government’s repeated delays had caused significant hardship for the staff.
Additionally, the Union criticized the non-remittance of contributions to essential services, including the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and Retirement Benefit Schemes.
The situation has been compounded by the failure to remit deductions for saccos, loans, insurance, pensions, and other social welfare organizations.
Consequences of Non-Remittance
The failure to remit these deductions has had severe consequences for university employees. Wesonga lamented that retired academic staff are unable to access their pensions and are consequently suffering from poverty and poor health.
He noted that many public universities have dysfunctional medical schemes, and the non-remittance of NHIF contributions has exacerbated the health challenges facing staff.
Wesonga expressed concern over the increasing mortality and suffering among university workers, calling the situation both disrespectful and embarrassing.
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In summary, the UASU’s strike notice underscores the growing frustration among academic staff over salary delays and reductions, as well as the government’s failure to remit critical welfare contributions.
The Union has made it clear that it will take action to ensure compliance with the law and protect the rights and well-being of its members.
UASU Issues Strike Notice Over Salary Delays and Reductions
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