UASU Seeks Court Protection Against Varsity’s Disciplinary Action Over Strike
The University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has taken legal action against Egerton University to prevent the institution from disciplining lecturers who took part in a strike last year.
The strike was called by Uasu in response to the non-remittance of its members’ deductions to banks, Saccos, and insurance companies.
The union’s Secretary-General, Grace Kibue, and Chairman, Silas Ngari, have filed a petition in the Employment and Labour Relations Court to restrain the university from taking disciplinary action against its members, which they argue is illegal.
The two officials claim that the university is trying to punish its members for supporting a strong union movement, which is in contravention of the Labour Relations Act, which prohibits employers from dismissing employees for participating in a legal strike.
According to Kibue and Ngari, the university has summoned them to appear before the management for allegedly leading the strike that took place between October 18 and 25 last year.
However, the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, Isaac Kibwage, has accused Kibue and Ngari of violating the university’s code of conduct and has stated that their application is faulty and unreliable.
The Vice Chancellor argues that the staff began the strike a day before the seven-day notice period expired, thereby making it illegal.
The case will be heard in court on February 14, and both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the relationship between the university and its staff, as well as for the wider labour relations landscape in Kenya.
UASU Seeks Court Protection Against Varsity’s Disciplinary Action Over Strike