The University of Zambia Management has informed UNZALARU that it can no longer formally engage the union on matters to do with the university following the termination of the recognition agreement between the two.

Meanwhile, confusion has rocked UNZA as management and UNZALARU are giving lecturers different positions on how to move forward as they await payment of their January salaries.

In a letter addressed to UNZALARU secretary general Dr Kelvin Mambwe on February 7, 2020, UNZA Registrar Sitali Wamundila informed the union that management would no longer formally engage with it.

“Reference is made to the letter we received from the acting labour Commissioner which was copied to you dated 4th February, 2020 regarding termination of the Recognition Agreement between the University of Zambia Management and the University Lecturers’ and Researchers Union (UNZALARU). I wish to advise that given this development, management is unable to formally engage with your union on matters affecting the university operations or staff who are members of UNZALARU. Be informed accordingly,” Wamundila stated.

And in a memo sent out yesterday, Wamundila informed all staff members that management was doing everything possible to ensure January salaries were paid.

“This serves to inform all members of staff of the University of Zambia that the January 2020 salaries will be delayed and management is doing everything possible to ensure that salaries are paid. The inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. We thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter,” stated Wamundila.

Meanwhile, sources have told News Diggers! that lecturers are in an awkward position as they are receiving two different instructions on how to proceed as they await their January salaries.

“UNZALARU has advised its members that since salaries haven’t yet been paid, those without fuel shouldn’t show up to teach or carry out any duties. But some schools have been advised by their deans to continue teaching with a hope that salaries will be paid this week,” said the source.