MPs: Dons returned to work with no signed document

Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) officials led by Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga (right) and National Chairperson Grace Nyongesa when they appeared before National Assembly Education Committee at Bunge Tower on November 5, 2024 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

A meeting called to resolve the ongoing strike by university lecturers and workers failed to break the stalemate yesterday, as each side stuck to their demands.

Consequently, the deadlock will continue following unsuccessful negotiations between the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) and the government.

The crux of the dispute lies in a gap between the government’s pledges and the budgeted amount.

While the government initially committed Sh9.7 billion for Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), officials later reduced this figure to Sh4.3 billion without any formal documentation of the change.

During a parliamentary session, lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of documentation.

Julius Melly, chair of the National Assembly Committee on Education, criticised both sides for  entering into an agreement without concrete evidence.

“The Inter Public Universities Council’s Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) has no letter to show that the government has made an offer. What the professors are presenting to us is a circus. We can’t discuss this if they don’t have documents. If they knew, how do you sign a document you’re not sure of?” Melly said.

This came after IPUCCF chairman Prof Fred Barasa urged the unions to accept the Sh4.3 billion allocated by the government to address the financial demands of the 2021-2025 CBAs.

“As advised by the government, the three unions should accept the Sh4.3 billion as the funds for the implementation of the CBAs and rework the salary simulations based on this figure.’’

Melly requested that the IPUCCF produce a formal commitment for the available funds to the unions.

“Can you ensure that the Sh4.3 billion you’re talking about is real, not just canvassing or hearsay? I am directing you to produce the document showing that the money has been allocated. Otherwise, we are not going to discuss this,” Melly said.

Malava MP Malulu Injendi added, “The facts should be supported by evidence. You have confessed here that you have no evidence of the Sh4.3 billion because it was canvassed without documented proof.”

“Chair, as we sit here, there has never been any written document of that offer. I can state that there was no document conveyed to Uasu, but it was a participatory discussion,” Barasa said.

Adding to the frustration, Melly questioned why Uasu leaders had signed agreements without verifying the details.

‘‘Are you able to show us that this is what the PS for Labour gave to the unions?’’

‘‘The whole issue revolves around a poorly structured return-to-work formula that was agreed upon, but without the necessary details,” Melly said.