Makerere University staff, including teaching and non-teaching staff, have issued a threat to go on strike starting next month if the university does not reinstate the staff tribunal, which was suspended three months ago.
The staff is also demanding the harmonisation of the salary structure for all university employees and the immediate execution of pending promotions. The staff's resolution comes just three weeks before the start of the new academic year.
In a circular dated July 17 and signed by all staff association leaders, it was stated that if their demands are not fully met, all staff members, including academic, administrative, and support staff, will withdraw their labor from August 18 onwards.
The academic registrar has announced that the new academic year 2023/2024 is scheduled to begin on August 19 with the orientation for freshers, while continuing students are expected to report one week later.
Dr Robert Kakuru, the chairperson of the Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), has emphasized that if the university council and management do not address their concerns, the staff will not attend to students next month.
The staff's main grievance is the failure by the university to reinstate the staff tribunal, which has resulted in violations of staff rights.
The suspension of the staff tribunal was initiated by the university secretary, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, following a directive from the council and the guidance of the Attorney General.
The grounds for the suspension were based on the fact that the tribunal was not fully constituted. However, the university chancellor, Prof Ezra Suruma, in a letter dated May 22, ordered the university council to reinstate the staff tribunal, stating that he was not consulted on the matter.
Prof Suruma also emphasized that he, as the chancellor, holds the sole authority to appoint the chairperson of the tribunal.
The staff's call for the reinstatement of the staff tribunal is based on their belief that it is an essential body for ensuring justice and protection of their rights.
The tribunal serves as a platform for resolving disputes and grievances between the staff and the university administration.
Additionally, the staff is demanding the harmonisation of the salary structure for all university employees.
This is aimed at ensuring fairness and equity in the remuneration of staff members, regardless of their position or job description.
The staff believes that this will improve motivation and job satisfaction, leading to increased productivity.
Moreover, the staff is calling for the immediate execution of all pending promotions.
This is crucial for career advancement and recognizing the efforts and achievements of the staff members. The delay in promotions can lead to demotivation and a lack of career progression opportunities.
It is important for the university council and management to address these concerns promptly and effectively to avoid disruptions in the upcoming academic year.
The potential strike by the staff would have a significant impact on the university's operations and could also affect the students' learning experience.
In conclusion, the staff at Makerere University are demanding the reinstatement of the staff tribunal, the harmonisation of the salary structure, and the immediate execution of pending promotions.
Failure to address these issues may result in a strike, affecting the start of the new academic year. It is crucial for the university administration to engage in dialogue and find a resolution that meets the staff's demands while ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution.
0 Comments