KUPPET Says Teachers Strike is On Despite KNUT Withdrawal
A nationwide teachers’ strike is scheduled to begin on Monday following unsuccessful last-minute negotiations between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
The failure to reach an agreement has heightened the frustration among educators, who believe their long-standing grievances remain unresolved.
At the core of the dispute is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that has been under discussion for some time.
Last week, the TSC proposed a Ksh 13.3 billion package as part of the CBA, but KUPPET rejected this offer, citing concerns that the proposal neglected several critical issues initially included in the negotiations.
Key Issues in the Dispute
KUPPET officials have accused the TSC of failing to uphold previous commitments, leaving key demands unaddressed. These demands include:
- Improved working conditions
- Promotions for teachers
- Harmonization of allowances
According to KUPPET, the TSC’s latest offer is inadequate and falls short of the promises made in earlier discussions.
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KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori expressed disappointment, stating that despite negotiating in good faith, the TSC showed a lack of commitment to resolving broader issues affecting teachers. He added that during their meetings, the TSC was not committed to addressing the tabled concerns.
TSC’s Position and Strike Implications
The TSC has maintained that the Ksh 13.3 billion offer is a significant step towards addressing the financial aspects of the CBA. However, they have not responded to KUPPET’s claims that other grievances were overlooked.
As the strike approaches, KUPPET has urged its members to remain steadfast until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
Meanwhile, the TSC has called for continued dialogue to prevent further disruption to the education sector. Teachers and students are advised to stay away from schools during the strike.
KUPPET Says Teachers Strike is On Despite KNUT Withdrawal
