UASU fires back at Matiang’i over employment

University Academic Staff Union(UASU) on Thursday termed comments 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 termed the statements as abuse of power and an assault on workers by making casual statements that affect fundamental employment rights.

“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 in a press statement.

Wesonga 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 insisting that the strike is still on.

The secretary general 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 log time.

“The CS would also tear to shreds all social minima won by lecturers over the years,” said Wesonga. “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 road side proclamations insisting that universities are autonomous under the Universities Act.