Teachers in Kitui Poised for Strike as Union’s Deadline Nears
Teachers in Kitui are prepared to go on strike if the looming threat by their unions materializes. Simon Ndingo, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) executive secretary for the Kitui branch, indicated that the teachers are set to join the strike starting Monday.
He advised parents to keep their children at home during the industrial action.
Ndingo stressed that since teachers will stay away from schools beginning August 26, parents should be aware that the safety of their children will not be guaranteed.
He pointed out that teachers would not be responsible for any children who show up at school during the strike.
Ndingo emphasized that parents who send their children to school would do so at their own risk, noting that while KNUT does not have the authority to instruct parents to keep children away, the absence of teachers would leave students unattended.
Union’s Strike Notice and Government Response
The strike threat follows a fresh seven-day notice issued by KNUT’s national leadership to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on August 16, after attempts at conciliatory interventions failed to prevent the industrial action.
Secretary General Collins Oyuu reported that the union had communicated its grievances to the TSC and the Ministry of Labour, but no action had been taken.
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Oyuu stated that the union had issued a strike notice, and teachers would withdraw their labor and keep schools closed until the issues are resolved.
He reiterated that despite multiple communications to the employer, there had been no response.
Oyuu directed all KNUT branches, through their executive secretaries, to ensure that teachers comply with the strike action upon the notice’s expiration.
Pending Salary Increments and Government Inaction
The strike notice coincides with the scheduled opening of schools for term three on August 26. Ndingo reminded the government of its commitment to salary increments promised to teachers last year.
He noted that the salary increments were supposed to be paid in two tranches, with the first payment made in July last year. However, the government had yet to fulfill the second payment due in July 2024.
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Ndingo pointed out that teachers are demanding the fulfillment of the government’s promise. He also mentioned that the President had instructed the Treasury and TSC to engage in dialogue with the teachers’ union, but this directive had not been followed.
Ndingo warned that if the government fails to meet the President’s directive by Friday or Saturday, teachers would proceed with the strike on Monday.
Teachers in Kitui Poised for Strike as Union’s Deadline Nears
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