Kuppet Urges Teachers to Defy Court Order and Continue Strike.
Amidst rising tensions, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has strongly encouraged teachers to continue their strike despite a Labour court order suspending it. The strike, which began on Monday, August 26th, has disrupted learning across the country as teachers demand better pay, promotions, and improved working conditions. Kuppet remains resolute in its stance, urging teachers to ignore any “distractions” and persist with their protest until their grievances are addressed. This ongoing strike highlights the broader struggle for quality education in Kenya.
Kuppet’s Defiant Response to Court Order
On Tuesday, the Labour Court in Nairobi, presided over by Justice James Rika, issued an order suspending the ongoing teachers’ strike until the court fully hears and determines the case filed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). However, Kuppet quickly responded, with Secretary General Akello Misori urging teachers to disregard the court order and continue with their strike. He emphasized that the fight is far from over and encouraged members to persist until the union secures a return-to-work formula that meets their demands.
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Kuppet’s defiance comes as the strike enters its third day, with reports indicating that learning has come to a standstill in post-primary institutions across Kenya. The union highlighted that this struggle goes beyond teachers’ rights, impacting the right of all Kenyan children to receive a quality education. Misori expressed appreciation for the support from parents and students who have joined the teachers in their fight against what they describe as oppressive employment policies. The union remains committed to securing the rights and welfare of teachers, which they believe will ultimately benefit the entire education system.
Challenges and Broader Implications
The strike has exposed deep divisions within Kenya’s education sector. On Sunday evening, a rift emerged between Kuppet and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) when Knut withdrew its notice of strike just hours after Kuppet voted to proceed with the job boycott. Knut’s decision was driven by a desire to give the TSC more time to address their demands, which include implementing the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, promoting teachers, absorbing Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on a permanent basis, and reinstating medical cover.
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Despite this, Kuppet remains firm in its decision to continue the strike. The union argues that the TSC has consistently failed to address the pressing issues affecting teachers, leaving them with no choice but to take industrial action. As the court battle between Kuppet and the TSC unfolds, the future of Kenya’s education system hangs in the balance. The outcome of this dispute will likely have long-lasting implications for both teachers and students.
Key Takeaways
Kuppet’s decision to defy the Labour Court’s order and continue the teachers’ strike underscores the union’s commitment to securing better working conditions for its members. The ongoing strike, now in its third day, has paralyzed learning in post-primary institutions across the country, highlighting the urgent need for resolution. This conflict reflects broader issues within Kenya’s education system, particularly concerning the rights of teachers and the quality of education provided to students. As the legal battle continues, all eyes remain on the outcome, which will shape the future of education in Kenya.
Kuppet Urges Teachers to Defy Court Order and Continue Strike.
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