Members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) paralysed learning at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) over unresolved financial issues that have been building up for years.
Some of the unresolved issues according to the Union leaders are the non-concluded 2021-2025 National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), pending 2017-2021 Local CBA, delayed remittance of statutory and third party deductions, new funding model and pending full implementation of the 2017-2021 national CBA.
“We have been going out for negotiations with the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) but the process has been thoroughly frustrated by the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC),” said UASU TUM Chapter Secretary Prof Josiah Odalo.
“Of late we had disagreements and what we are waiting for as Unions is the certificate of disagreement from the reconciliator,” he added.
Delayed remittance of third-party deductions, Prof Odalo said has created financial difficulties for their members and families jeopardizing their livelihoods.
“Our lecturers and our Staff in TUM are being disenfranchised because the employer through the University management is not remitting deductions to the banks, SACCOs and insurances. This is an embarrassing situation as we cannot be able to have a healthy financial environment,” he said.
He added that TUM continues to invest in mega innovation projects while neglecting obligations to employees.
Kassim Ziro Chairman of the KUSU TUM Branch said Universities have been neglected, the last time they received a salary increment was in the year 2020.
“The cost of living has increased yet salary remains the same,” he said, adding that the pay slip has been affected by taxes leaving staff with stress.
He noted that is a shame that some staff cannot pay for their children’s fees.
They vowed not to step in class unless their demands are met and everything must be done by the law and what unions signed.
“The government cannot relent on what we had agreed on. We are telling them this will be a long fight,” said Dr Darias Otieno, UASU TUM Chapter Chairman.
By Mariam Sefu
