University Lecturers threaten to strike again, Issues 2-Week Ultimatum.
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has given the Kenyan government a 15-day ultimatum, beginning today, January 1st, to pay the December salaries and all arrears dating back to September.
This demand follows a series of unfulfilled promises from the government, including a letter from Ministry of Education PS Beatrice Inyangala, which assured the implementation of salary increments as per the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
A Long Struggle for Fair Pay
UASU officials warn that failure to meet the demand by January 15th will result in a strike. The lecturers have expressed frustration with the government’s failure to implement the promised salary increments, which have been delayed for several months despite multiple agreements and directives.
“We have been patient long enough. The government has failed to keep its word, and now we are left with no choice but to take action,” said a UASU representative.
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The struggle has been ongoing since the signing of the CBA in 2021, with two major strikes in 2024 demanding salary increments.
The first strike, in September, was followed by a signed agreement, yet no salary increases were made by the end of the month. The government’s failure to honor the return-to-work formula forced UASU to go on strike again in November.
Shocking Disappointment
In December, university lecturers expected to receive new salaries and arrears for October and November, but were instead shocked to find their salaries unchanged. Despite clear instructions from PS Beatrice Inyangala, the expected payments were not made.
University officials have claimed that they did not receive the necessary funds from the government to implement the payments.
“We were given instructions to prepare for the new salaries, but as we went into the Christmas season, universities were still waiting for the funds that were promised,” a university official explained.
Threat of a Renewed Strike
Now, UASU has issued a two-week ultimatum for the full payment of arrears and the salary increments. If the government fails to comply, lecturers have vowed to shut down university classes and take their grievances back to the streets.
“The government has broken its promises twice. We will not back down until we receive everything that is owed to us,” said UASU’s National Chairman.
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The lecturers are also calling for the resignation of Education Minister Julius Magoha, accusing him of failing to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
“How can you promise us one thing, then return to your office and continue as if nothing happened? The time for empty promises is over,” UASU stated.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the government to see whether they will meet the union’s demands or face another round of protests and strikes.
University Lecturers threaten to strike again, Issues 2-Week Ultimatum.
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