The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) have called off their two-week strike after agreeing on a return-to-work formula.
The strike had severely disrupted learning activities in public universities across Kenya.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Alfred Mutua, intervened to resolve the deadlock, holding discussions with union officials to chart a way forward. As a result, a return-to-work formula was agreed upon.
Dr. Mutua announced the formation of a special inter-ministerial committee tasked with addressing the unions’ concerns and finalizing the return-to-work agreement.
The committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Education, the National Treasury, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), public universities, the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC), and the unions.
“We cannot allow these issues to continue disrupting the education of thousands of students,” said Dr. Mutua. “My ministry is committed to ensuring fairness in negotiations, and it’s crucial that when Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) are signed, they are respected. If challenges arise, workers must be informed transparently and in a timely manner.”
The unions are advocating for salary increments, allowances, and other issues outlined in the CBA. Discussions are set to commence immediately, with both sides hopeful for a swift resolution.
More to follow
