Labour CS Urges Teachers to Opt for Dialogue Amid Strike Plans
The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, has once again intervened in the ongoing teachers’ strike, advocating for dialogue as a means to resolve the issues at hand.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have both declared plans for industrial action on August 26.
Additionally, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, which threatens to disrupt university learning in the coming month.
Call for Dialogue
Given these developments, CS Mutua is urging the unions to adopt a dialogue-oriented approach, emphasizing the need for patience as the new Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) familiarize themselves with the issues.
Mutua noted that the newly appointed CSs are in the process of being briefed on various matters, and he has initiated conversations with them to address the unions’ concerns swiftly and effectively.
In a statement released on Friday, August 16, Mutua explained that he has been in discussions with the new CSs, urging them to engage with the unions as soon as possible.
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He believes that the unions, understanding the current social, political, and economic environment, are both patriotic and forward-thinking, making them open to dialogue.
Mutua expressed confidence that the unions, representing workers’ interests, are aware of the country’s current situation.
He urged them to engage in dialogue, underscoring the importance of resolving issues through discussion rather than conflict.
Efforts Toward Amicable Solutions
The Labour CS highlighted his ongoing discussions with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), KNUT, and KUPPET leaders as part of efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution.
He acknowledged that the Ministry of Education and the TSC are actively holding internal consultations regarding the unions’ concerns and assured that a resolution is forthcoming.
Mutua also mentioned that his ministry is implementing an early warning system aimed at managing potential industrial unrest proactively.
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This system is designed to encourage open dialogue and secure genuine commitments from all parties involved.
He emphasized that strikes and go-slows should only be considered as a last resort, reinforcing his ministry’s role as a neutral mediator in these discussions.
Labour CS Urges Teachers to Opt for Dialogue Amid Strike Plans
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