The striking university lecturers have maintained they will not call off strike despite the National Treasury releasing Ksh 2.5 billion which is part of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
UASU Secretary General, Constantine Wasonga said the strike will continue as planned since the government has not fully addressed all the issues raised.
Wasonga who was speaking to Education News said they have received the communication on the release of part of the money but the strike continues until all their demands are honored.
Among issues the lecturers demand to be addressed include implementation of 2017-2021 and 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements, (CBAs), including the payment of arrears for the respective CBAs.
In 2017 -2021 CBA the lecturers demand Ksh 8.8 billion in arrears while the 2021-2025 CBA they demanded Ksh 9.7 billion which was supposed to be paid in three phases, however payment was only made on first phase.
The 2017-2021 CBA has remained unfulfilled despite a ruling by the Employment and Labor Relations Court, there has also been failure by government to jumpstart, negotiate and conclude the 2025-2029 National CBA.
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Varsity lecturers to down tools at midnight for strike commencement
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba called on the university staff to call of the strike after treasury released the funds.
The strike kicked off on Tuesday midnight after the government failed to honor their demands even after the unions issued a 7-day strike notice to the government.
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) are meeting on Wednesday morning on the streets to demand fulfillment of their demands.
By Obegi Malack
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