CS Matiangi’s Proposed Employment Contracts Are Illegal – Lecturer’s Union

University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has termed the Idea made by Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i on employment contracts for university staff as illegal, unconstitutional and breach of employment laws in the country.

UASU said so in a press statement on Thursday adding that the statements are an abuse of power and an assault on workers by making casual statements that affect fundamental employment rights.

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“The willingness of the CS to shred the Employment Act, the Labour Relations Act, the Universities Act and the Constitution is a chilling reminder of what happens when one tastes absolute power,” said UASU secretary-general Constantine Wesonga.

The secretary-general termed the move as an attempt to divert attention from the current crisis facing the university sector due to failures by the government and university councils.

“The CS would also tear to shreds all social minima won by lecturers over the years,” said Wesonga.

He further bemoaned conditions of service given by the CS as a ploy to deny retirees their pension, something UASU has been fighting for over a long period of time.

“Why has nobody ever suggested contractual and non-pensionable employment for other public sector employees?” questioned Wesonga.

The union warned the CS from micromanaging universities by decrees and roadside proclamations such as the employment contracts, insisting that universities are autonomous under the Universities Act.

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Meanwhile, in regards to the suggestion that the university lecturers strike are connected to NASA’s resistance arm, a member of the union called it propaganda.

Chairman of the Joint Negotiations Committee Prof. Joseph Mberia said the union was formed before the political party was established.

“I’m telling the government to stop propaganda that UASU is connected to NRM, our union was born earlier than the political parties,” said Prof. Mberia.

The union called upon all institutions to take part in the strike since it is a collective grievance and the government wants to interfere with the Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA).

They added that while they sympathize with students who are affected by the strike, the strike is still on.