TSC Fails to Deduct Union Dues for KUPPET from Teachers’ Salaries
Teachers were surprised by a Sh13 billion salary increment announced on Thursday, which dealt a significant blow to the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet).
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the primary employer of teachers in the country, has not deducted union dues from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) members’ payslips.
This action reflects the commission’s disapproval of the ongoing strike by secondary school teachers, which continues despite partial fulfillment of their demands.
Pay Adjustments and Strike Developments
Several KUPPET branch officials confirmed to Education News that the August payslips for teachers were issued without the usual union dues deductions.
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In response to this development, Kuppet made a last-minute attempt to engage with the TSC, as union sources revealed that the situation bore a striking resemblance to the 2019 downfall of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut).
Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori wrote to the TSC, seeking a dialogue to resolve the ongoing strike, especially considering the court proceedings initiated by the commission.
The TSC, however, rejected Kuppet’s request for dialogue, insisting that the union comply with the court’s order to call off the strike.
The commission emphasized that in compliance with the Court Order dated August 27, 2024, Kuppet must withdraw the ongoing industrial action to allow continued bipartite negotiations on any unresolved issues.
The TSC has agreed to retroactively implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), effective from July this year. This adjustment has been reflected in the August payslips for teachers.
Additionally, the commission stated that it had addressed all grievances raised by Kuppet in its letter dated August 19.
The strike has persisted even after the Employment and Labour Relations Court issued a temporary suspension order on August 27, following an urgent application by TSC.
KUPPET has continued with the strike despite the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) deciding to end their strike a day before the suspension order. KNUT had complied with the government’s request for additional time.
Misori mentioned that Kuppet had yet to verify whether the TSC had indeed failed to remit union dues. He stated that if the dues were withheld, union members would need to find alternative ways to support their organization and decide whether they wanted a strong union.
ALSO READ: TSC Insists KUPPET Ends Teachers Strike Before Talks Begin
Kuppet hinted at potential legal action, indicating plans to seek a court advisory on the order halting the strike and possibly challenging the TSC if it failed to remit union dues.
Insiders disclosed that Kuppet had not received union dues for the upcoming month, with the court case scheduled for September 5. Given the likelihood of a prolonged legal battle, the union might not receive dues for several months until the case is resolved.
Observers noted that by restricting Kuppet’s financial resources, the TSC might be attempting to weaken the union’s ability to sustain the strike and negotiate effectively. This strategy, previously employed against Knut, had led to internal disputes and the eventual ousting of top officials within the union.
TSC Fails to Deduct Union Dues for KUPPET from Teachers‘ Salaries
