THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and its
lecturers, under the umbrella of the Nust Educators’ Association
(Nusteda) on Friday reached a stalemate on the issue of payment of
bonuses, with the matter being referred to an independent arbitrator.
Two weeks ago, Nust lecturers joined other State university lecturers
on a nationwide strike demanding payment of their February salaries and
December 2014 bonus.
However, Higher and Tertiary Education minister Oppah Muchinguri quickly intervened and the lecturers were paid February salaries before they returned to work.
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| NUST campus picture by michelle |
However, Higher and Tertiary Education minister Oppah Muchinguri quickly intervened and the lecturers were paid February salaries before they returned to work.
The bonus was, however, not paid leaving Nust lecturers disgruntled.
On Friday, the matter was taken before a labour officer of
conciliation, where Nust was represented by Biggy Ngwenya from the human
resources department, while Nusteda was represented by its lawyer
Kossam Ncube and the whole executive led by Alois Muzuwe.
However, the parties failed to agree and the matter was referred to an independent arbitrator.
“It’s true the matter had gone for conciliation before a labour
officer where both parties were to present their views so that they
reach a settlement, but it failed and was referred for arbitration,” Ncube
said.
“Initially there were two matters which had been taken for conciliation, that of the February salaries and bonus.
“However, the February salaries were paid, leaving the bonus outstanding.
“When we went for conciliation, we insisted that bonuses should be
paid because they were due since payslips were dispatched, but the money
was not deposited.”
Ncube said Nust indicated they could not pay the bonuses since the
institution relied on government funds, which were said would be
staggered without giving a timeframe.
“We told them that we could not accept such a position where lecturers have to wait indefinitely for their bonus,” he said.
“Having reached that stalemate, the matter was referred for arbitration by an independent arbitrator.”
Last month, State university lecturers countrywide clashed with the
government over the late payment of their January salaries and
outstanding bonuses.
The government only paid their January salaries in mid-February.
According to Southern eye, early this month, Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister
Godfrey Gandawa said bonus payments had been staggered, starting with
the payment of University of Zimbabwe lecturers with the rest to receive
theirs as and when funds became available.
This has an impact on the students marks as they might go to the exams with little or no course mark as Lecturers are reluctant to teach without receiving their bonuses which are long over due.
The government should therefore devise a method that will benefit both the student and Lecturer. Students argue that they did their part way before schools commenced, thus they deserve quality education without any hindrances.
National politics always have an impact on the students as they are the ones who are mostly affected.
National politics always have an impact on the students as they are the ones who are mostly affected.
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