Lecturers' Strike Paralyzes Learning in Public Universities Over Unmet CBA Terms

Learning activities in public universities nationwide have come to a halt after lecturers resumed their strike. The lecturers are demanding an automated 4% annual salary increment, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has vowed to continue the strike until the government fulfills the terms agreed upon in the 2012-2025 CBA.

UASU Secretary-General, Dr. Wasonga, urged the government to implement the return-to-work formula, which includes key benefits to support lecturers' welfare. He noted that the decision to strike followed unsuccessful efforts to reach an agreement with government representatives. Although UASU was scheduled to meet with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba for further discussions, negotiations had already stalled due to a lack of consensus.

In a letter addressed to the councils of 35 public universities and three constituent colleges, Dr. Wasonga confirmed the strike would officially commence on October 22, 2024. He criticized the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum for its failure to negotiate and finalize the CBAs for past years through 2025.