Knut and Kuppet Unite to Issue Fresh Strike Threat to TSC.
The two leading teachers’ unions in Kenya have come together to issue a series of demands to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). If these demands are not met within seven days, the unions plan to initiate a nationwide strike starting August 26, coinciding with the opening of schools for the third term. This strike threatens to disrupt preparations for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment.
On August 7, representatives from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) held a joint press conference in Nairobi. They outlined their grievances, which include implementing the second phase of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), converting junior school teachers to permanent status, employing an additional 20,000 teachers, and promoting 130,000 teachers. Additionally, they want the TSC to pay firms that provide teachers’ medical cover and commit to negotiating a new CBA as the current one expires next year.
Key Demands from Knut and Kuppet
Knut Secretary-General, Collins Oyuu, emphasized the need for the TSC to fulfill its legal obligations by immediately remitting teachers’ July 2024 salaries, including basic pay and allowances, as outlined in the CBAs. Kuppet Secretary-General, Akelo Misori, declared these demands “non-negotiable” since they were filed with the Employment and Labour Relations Court last year. The TSC requires Sh13.5 billion to meet the second and final phase of the agreement signed in August of the previous year, aimed at helping teachers cope with the high cost of living. Unfortunately, this increment was not included in the July salaries.
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Historically, Knut and Kuppet have addressed issues affecting their members separately. Knut primarily represents primary school teachers, while Kuppet serves secondary school teachers and other post-primary institutions. However, this joint approach marks a significant shift in their strategy.
Unmet Expectations and Unfulfilled Promises
Mr. Oyuu mentioned that union officials had planned to meet with the TSC recently. However, the meeting did not take place as the commission declined, citing the need for “higher-level consultations.” This response has only heightened the unions’ resolve.
Promotion of teachers who have remained in the same job groups for extended periods is another critical issue. Mr. Oyuu highlighted that these teachers were shortlisted and interviewed for new grades in 2023, but their appointments were stalled due to budget constraints. Additionally, he accused the TSC of making National Social Security Fund salary deductions without remitting them to the fund.
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Proposals for the New CBA
The unions have proposed several allowances for the new CBA, including postgraduate allowances, per diems for games teachers, risk allowances for science teachers, and special duty and acting allowances for teachers in temporary roles. Therefore, these proposals aim to address the various challenges teachers face and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.
If the unions proceed with the strike, the impact on education will be significant. The final term of the school year is crucial for students preparing for the KCSE exams and primary assessments. A strike during this period would severely disrupt these preparations, affecting thousands of students across the country. This situation presents a daunting challenge for the incoming Education Cabinet Secretary, who will need to address these issues promptly to avoid a crisis.
The rare unity between Knut and Kuppet signals a strong determination to achieve their demands. The outcome of this standoff will have far-reaching implications for the education sector in Kenya. Consequently, as the unions await the TSC’s response, the education community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that avoids a strike and ensures the smooth continuation of the academic calendar.
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Knut and Kuppet Unite to Issue Fresh Strike Threat to TSC.
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