Kuppet to TSC: We are willing to talk
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has formally written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) seeking to resolve the ongoing job boycott and urging for an amicable resolution to the dispute between the union and their employer.
In a letter addressed to Thursday August 29, 2024, the union says it prefers talks over protracted court battles with the TSC.
“In light of the fast-moving dynamic of the strike, particularly the proceedings instituted in court by the commission, we would wish to handle the matters with you to avoid any protracted battles,” the letter, referenced as COUP/TSC/019/24 and addressed to TSC chief executive officer Dr Nancy Macharia, says.
In the letter, the union reassured the TSC of its law-abiding nature and expressed its readiness to address the matters at hand in a constructive manner.
Kuppet wants the meeting in the afternoon of Thursday, August 29, 2024, saying that they were ready “to resolve issues amicably and without prejudice.”
The teachers’ union on Wednesday asked the striking teachers to continue with their job boycott.
Kuppet made the calls on Tuesday evening just hours after the Labour court in Nairobi suspended the ongoing teachers’ strike called by the union.
This is after the union instructed teachers across the country to boycott classes starting Monday, August 26th.
In a press statement, the union emphasized that this cause extends beyond the teachers themselves, highlighting the broader implications for the rights of all Kenyan children to receive a quality education.
On Sunday evening, a rift emerged when the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) withdrew its notice of a strike just hours after Kuppet had voted to endorse the job boycott.
Both unions had issued a notices for industrial action that was to begin on Monday in protest over pay, delayed promotions and working conditions among other grievances.
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu said their decision was informed by the need to give their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), time to address their “major demands”.
Among the teacher’s demands is the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the promotion of teachers, the absorption of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on a permanent basis, and the reinstatement of their medical cover.
The High Court on Tuesday suspended the post-primary education teachers’ strike called by Kuppet pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Teachers Service Commission.
On Wednesday, Kuppet secretary general Akello Misori revealed that the union has been served with the court orders obtained by the TSC and that the union’s lawyers are seized with the matter and they have since moved to seek an interpretation of the said orders.
“Pending that interpretation, our message to members is that the strike is on. We will address all issues concerning the strike only through a return-to-work formula,” Said Misori.
mesimiyu@ke.nationmedia.com
