UNIVERSITY of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union (UNZALARU) members have resolved to resume work on Monday after a three-week go-slow.
UNZALARU General Secretary Fenson Mwape said his members have called off the strike in the interest of the students and the nation.
This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday.
“In the best interest of the students and the nation at large, the strike has been called off and all academic staff will resume academic activities on Monday the 20th of July 2009,” Dr Mwape said.
He said union members held a meeting yesterday at which they agreed to forgo the proposed three per cent salary increase that UNZA management and council offered them.
Dr Mwape said the UNZA council can use the proposed three per cent salary increase to purchase books for the library at the university.
“Members of the University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union met today, the 17th of July of 2009 to review the state of affairs at the University. In view of the meeting, they resolved that as a matter of principle, they do not want the three per cent salary increment management and council have offered. The money meant to cover this increase can be used to buy books for the university library,” he said.
Dr Mwape said UNZALARU has maintained its call for the council and management at UNZA to resign and that they are requesting the Minister of Education Dora Siliya to dissolve the council in the event that it does not step down.
He said his members have given Government up to the end of this semester to address all their concerns.
Dr Mwape said it is UNZALARU’s expectation that authorities of the University will take their gesture of goodwill seriously.
He said his union is grateful to the University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) for its patience and support during the strike.
“The Union wishes to thank the leadership and the general membership of the University of Zambia Students Union and all other well-wishers for their patience and support during the industrial action,” Dr Mwape said.
And UNZASU president Duncan Nyirongo has thanked UNZALARU for calling off the strike.
“We want to sincerely thank the leadership and general membership of UNZALARU for calling off their strike despite their appeal not having being heeded,” Mr Nyirongo said.
He commended the lecturers’ union for forgoing the proposed three per cent salary increase so that money can go towards the buying of books for the university library.
Mr Nyirongo also thanked students at the university for having been calm during the go-slow.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
That was a wise move to allow Unza Management & Council use 3% to stock up the Library. Management & Conucil have been given enough rope to hang themselves. We are yet to see how the Ministry of Education is going to handle this issue. There is ample time to find a lasting solution to dons concerns among other things.
Big Up to the UNZA lecturers for calling off the strike. This is a good move as it is in the best interest of the nation. You deserve two thumbs up.
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Yes I changed my username again. Sue me if you have a problem with it. (Former Free-Market-Economist, Free-Market-Capitalist, Crazy_Zambian)
Is it true that having a lot of names is one of the features of a cook?
“use the increase to buy books?” interlectual thinkin at’s best.
ok..you called off d strike..but did you REALLY call off d strike???
Ba Former Free Market Economist
Why are you constantly changing your names? Are you afraid that technology will catch up with your sins?
On “Dr Mwape said the UNZA council can use the proposed three per cent salary increase to purchase books for the library at the university“, I would like to thank all the UNZA lecturers and researchers for showing concern at those who really need the help and at the same time ask the Constitutional office bearers like President RB Banda to forgo his 15% increment and allowances by directing it to the poor Zambians to emulate president HH who signed a Social Contract.
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Psalm 16 + KJV Bible
8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.