KUPPET Writes to Teachers Service Commission (TSC) For Talks
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has softened its previously rigid position by reaching out to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) with a willingness to negotiate.
KUPPET had initially adopted a firm stance on Wednesday, choosing to continue their strike despite a court order mandating them to return to work. The union had directed its members to ignore the court’s directive and proceed with the strike, with KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori confirming their defiance.
On Tuesday, a court order was issued by Justice James Rika, temporarily restraining KUPPET and its members from participating in the industrial action until a final decision is made.
The court set a mention date for the case on September 5, 2024. Despite this, KUPPET persisted with the strike while seeking legal interpretation of the court’s order.
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Misori mentioned that while they awaited legal interpretation, the union’s stance was clear—the strike would continue until a return-to-work formula was established.
KUPPET also expressed differences with its sister union, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), which had called off their strike, citing the government’s willingness to address their issues administratively.
Willingness to Negotiate
However, in a letter dated August 29, KUPPET expressed a change in tone, indicating that it no longer wished to engage in a prolonged conflict with TSC. They expressed readiness to meet with the commission on Thursday afternoon to address their demands in a mutually acceptable manner.
KUPPET’s decision to negotiate comes in response to the evolving situation, particularly the court proceedings initiated by TSC. The union emphasized the importance of resolving the issues without unnecessary protraction.
Despite the softened stance, KUPPET members across the country remained on strike. In regions like Garissa, local union leaders reiterated their support for Misori, stating that the court order should not intimidate him.
Union leaders in other areas also voiced their deliberate disobedience of the court order, insisting that TSC could fulfill their pay agreement under the 2021-25 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Union Demands
KUPPET and KNUT have several demands, including:
- Full implementation of the second phase of the 2021-25 CBA
- Promotion of 130,000 teachers
- Absorption of 46,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms
- Remittance of loan and statutory deductions to relevant agencies
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KNUT highlighted that TSC had demonstrated goodwill by promoting 51,232 teachers and agreeing to implement phase II of their CBA. However, Misori insisted that KUPPET members should continue the strike until all their grievances are fully addressed.
Union officials also called on the Treasury to disburse funds to TSC for the enhanced salaries, asserting that it is their right, not a request.
KUPPET Writes to Teachers Service Commission (TSC) For Talks
