Lecturers strike to start at midnight after negotiations with govt stall

The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has announced a nationwide strike by lecturers in all public universities, effective at midnight today, October 28, 2024.

UASU had issued a seven-day strike notice, which expires today, following unresolved disputes with the government regarding the implementation of a return-to-work formula agreed upon during negotiations on September 26.

Beginning at midnight, all public university operations will be halted, as UASU states that their attempts to engage in dialogue with the government have been unsuccessful.

“Work today up to midnight. Midnight with one minute, down your tools," UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga said.

The union highlighted that their last attempt to secure a return-to-work agreement with the government failed during the meeting on September 26.

Despite the government's recent efforts to persuade lecturers to resume classes, including proposals to escalate negotiations to a ministerial level, an agreement was not reached.

Members of the University and Academic Staff Union (UASU) during a past protest. (Photo: handout)

On September 25, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced that negotiations had been elevated to include representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, and the Treasury to facilitate a resolution.

Mutua assured the unions of an increase in the retirement threshold for all academic staff, including graduate assistants, tutorial fellows, and assistant lecturers.

During the meeting attended by Wesonga and KUSU Secretary General Charles Mukhwaya, Mutua stated, "We agreed on the formation of an inter-ministerial negotiating team. This committee will address the key concerns raised by the unions and work towards a return-to-work agreement."

He added that the team would consist of representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Education, National Treasury, Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), public universities, State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC), and the unions.

However, both UASU and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) criticised the government for negligence, stating that it had failed to uphold its initial promises to fulfil their demands.

The impending strike will disrupt learning at higher education institutions, occurring just weeks after a similar strike was suspended when staff unions opted to engage in negotiations with the government.