UASU officials.[Photo/Nation]
There could be another paralysis in the public universities once again this semester after lecturers union issued a strike notice over implementation of the Collective Bargain Agreement.
The Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum of the Federation of Kenya Employers last week pushed ahead the launch of the negotiations to Friday this week stating that this was due to unavoidable circumstances.
Lecturers have however disagreed with the move and have threatened to call another strike if the negotiations not be done with by the end of February.
The deliberations were meant to start on Wednesday and come to an end on Friday last week.
"Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, the launch has been rescheduled," said chairman Isaac Mbeche.
In a letter, to their employer the employer expressed their concern over failure to adhere to their previously agreed return-to-work formula dated December 9, 2017.
Uasu Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga stated that the failure may bring about failure to complete the 2017-2021 CBA negotiations and hence provoke disharmony in the institutions of higher learning.
The lecturers also want their employer to accept the union's proposal for the 2017-2021 CBA.
"Uasu promotes industrial harmony and it would be extremely unfortunate if actions by IPUCCF provoke a fresh industrial unrest from February 28," said Dr Wasonga.
They agreed to end the strike after the government released Sh2 billion for payment of their enhanced salaries and house allowances.
The government also agreed to release Sh3.1 billion in seven months' time for the 2013-2017 CBA.