HISTORY OF ACADEMIC STAFF UNION-1979-1980UASU EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS
The Mutunga led committee resolved to deal with the following issues:
1. Pursue reinstatement of Prof. Ngugi Thiong'o in the department of literature
2. Prepare CBA proposal for negotiation with Council
CBA PROPOSALS PRESENTED TO VICE-CHANCELLOR IN 1979
A subcommittee on Terms of Service wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor dated 22nd August, 1979 with the subject "URGENT DEMANDS ON SALARY INCREASE, HOUSE ALLOWANCE, OWNER OCCUPIER PAYMENTS AND CAR LOANS".
The correspondence by Union officials stated the following: " Members charged us with the duty of having negotiate for the immediate demand and have an answer to them by the beginning of the next academic year".
The letter captured the rationale for increase in basic salary and allowances and the recommendations with timelines.
RATIONALE FOR INCREASE IN BASIC PAY AND ALLOWANCES
(a) Rise in cost of living
The cost of goods which could be purchased by Ksh. 68 in 1971 could be purchased by Ksh. 105 in 1975 and Ksh. 141 in 1978 December. This shows a change of 34% from 1975 to 1977
(b) Salary award in 1977 inconsistent with inflation
Salaries for University Staff in 1975
Professors, Director, Dean of Students 4,320
A.Professor, D. Registrar & Finance Officer 3,600
Senior Lecturer 2,772
Lecturer 1,800
A. Lecturer 1,500
Salaries for Academic Staff in 1977
Professors, Directors, Dean of Students 5,679
A. Professor, D. Registrar & Finance Officer 4,824
Senior Lecturer 3,715
Lecturer 2,612
A. Lecturer 2,010
There is a shortfall of 22% in the salary increase from 1975 to 1977
(c) Allowances are inconsistent with market rates.
(i) House allowance
House units in Nairobi are high
-A house in Buruburu with three bedrooms is 1,400
- A house at Golf Course -2,500
- A house at Nairobi West-2,500
University gives a maximum of 1,090 because of 90% rule clause. This is inadequate.
(ii) Owner occupied house
- Average cost of houses is 300,000
Latest University level 240,000. This is inadequate.
(iii) Car loans
A cheap car like Toyota Corolla 1200 or Datsun 120 Y costs sh. 70,000 Ksh.
(iv) Mileage Allowance
With the ever-rising cost of the fuel, there should be an increase in mileage allowance and all distance covered without exemption of the first 8 km.
RECOMMENDATIONS
a) Salaries be increased by 30%. Effective date be 1st February, 1979.
b) Clinical allowance be increased by 30% to 400 pounds.
c) House allowance to go up to Ksh 1500 per month. Members should be paid 100% of allowance instead of current 90%
d) Owner occupied houses
The capital value in pounds should be
Professor & 18,000
S. Lecturer & Lecturer 15,000
Assistant Lecturer 12,000
e)Mileage allowance
This should be increased by 30% and the distance covered should be total distance without the 8km exemption.
f) Travelling allowance
All staff should receive some travelling allowance and those without cars should be paid 400 Ksh per month flat rate.
g) Car loans
This should be based on capacity of car and subject to a maxima depending on grade.Loans should cover 100% of the price of car.
The correspondence ended as follows: " We are hopeful that these minimum and reasonable demands will be met".
It was signed by the following Union officials of Terms of Service sub committee:
Chair- Ngotho wa Kariuki
Secretary- Willy Mutunga