Delayed Salaries Spark Lecturers’ Strike Threat
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has warned that learning in public universities could come to a standstill if the government does not release capitation soon.
The union has expressed its concern about the lack of funds and the plight of the lecturers who are suffering due to the delay. According to UASU organizing secretary Onesmus Mutio, if the situation is not addressed urgently, the lecturers will down their tools.
Mutio noted that the delay in releasing funds had never happened before and warned that salaries could pile up for months.
Dons in most public universities have threatened to down tools over unsuccessful Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.
However, the current situation is dire as it is not related to CBA negotiations. Mutio explained that with students on mid-term break, lecturers would not be able to pay school fees for their children because of the delay.
He warned that this situation could negatively affect the students’ perception of the need to work hard.
In a letter to the Education Cabinet Secretary, the union condemned the consistent delays in the release of capitation and salaries.
The statement was signed by the Universities’ Academic Staff Union Secretary General, Constantine Wasonga, who said that the delay had caused embarrassment and disrespect to the academic staff.
Wasonga warned that if the capitation and salaries were not released immediately, the union would call on its members to protest.
The delay in releasing capitation and salaries has put the dons in a difficult situation. Mutio stated that it was a low moment for them, and they were crying because of the situation.
This delay has never happened before, and if not addressed urgently, learning in public universities could come to a halt. The union has warned that it will not tolerate any further delays and will call on its members to protest if necessary.
The government needs to release capitation and salaries immediately to prevent a crisis in public universities.
Delayed Salaries Spark Lecturers’ Strike Threat
