Teachers’ Strike Looms as Talks with TSC Collapse

Teachers’ Strike Looms as Talks with TSC Collapse

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have declared their intention to proceed with a planned teachers’ strike.

This decision was made after unsuccessful negotiations with the government on Wednesday.

Officials from KUPPET and KNUT, in a press briefing, confirmed their commitment to continue with demonstrations set to begin on Monday, August 26.

The unions reached this decision following a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), where they were unable to agree on the implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

During the meeting, representatives of the teachers’ unions rejected TSC’s proposal to implement only a portion of the 2021-2025 CBA.

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The unions highlighted other critical issues such as teacher promotions, the employment of additional teachers, and the need for increased government budget allocation.

Background of the Dispute

This decision came a day after TSC invited KUPPET and KNUT officials to a meeting aimed at addressing their grievances. The Wednesday meeting was the first attempt to resolve the impasse, which threatens to disrupt learning in public schools nationwide.

“Treasury, TSC, and the teaching fraternity should sit together and look at the possibility of ensuring that we implement our commitment as government,” President William Ruto said.

The meeting between TSC and the unions occurred just five days after President William Ruto urged all relevant parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent the looming crisis.

President Ruto emphasized the need for Treasury, TSC, and the teaching fraternity to collaborate in ensuring the government fulfills its commitments.

Unions’ Strike Notice and Demands

The recent developments follow a strike notice issued by the teachers’ unions a fortnight ago, demanding immediate action on key issues affecting educators. KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu stated that KNUT and KUPPET have united to demand the resolution of six critical issues, including:

• Immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, effective July 1, 2024.
• Full salary remittance for the month of July, which is currently in arrears.

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The unions’ firm stance on these demands underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential for significant disruption if their concerns are not addressed promptly.

Teachers’ Strike Looms as Talks with TSC Collapse

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