Teachers to Face Disciplinary Action Amidst Escalating Union Dispute.
The ongoing tension between the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has escalated, placing individual teachers at risk of disciplinary measures. Despite a court order issued on Tuesday mandating a return to work, Kuppet has instructed its members to disregard the directive, setting the stage for a potential showdown with TSC.
Kuppet’s bold move to ignore the court order has led TSC to take a firm stance against absenteeism. The commission has now directed its officers nationwide to monitor and collect attendance data. This data will be a basis for issuing show-cause letters to teachers who fail to report to work. Legal Director Cavin Anyuor emphasized that TSC had officially served the union with the court order and expected compliance from its members.
In a parallel move, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has intervened, requesting TSC to withdraw the court case. Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli stressed the importance of resolving the dispute through a return-to-work formula. He warned that failure to do so could lead to victimization of teachers who have organized and participated in the strike.
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TSC appears ready to escalate the situation by filing contempt of court proceedings against the union for defying the court order. Fresh reports indicate that TSC is actively gathering evidence, including attendance data and video clips of union officials, to support its case. The commission is confident that enhanced salaries have already been processed and are set to be released in line with the second phase of the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This move could weaken Kuppet’s position, leaving them with fewer bargaining chips, particularly concerning the issues of junior secondary school teachers.
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In response to TSC’s actions, Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori has accused the commission of acting in bad faith. He argued that using the courts to coerce and intimidate teachers is not a viable solution to educators’ ongoing challenges in Kenya. Misori announced that the union plans to seek a legal interpretation of the court order that halted the strike, claiming the order is outdated since the industrial action had already begun when it was issued.
Misori also criticized the court order for failing to protect teachers already participating in the strike. He expressed frustration with TSC’s approach, accusing the commission of viewing itself as superior and disregarding industrial relations laws. Despite the legal battles, the strike has entered its fourth day with no significant progress in negotiations, leaving the stalemate unresolved.
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As the strike continues, the standoff between Kuppet and TSC shows no signs of abating. The risk of disciplinary action against teachers participating in the strike looms large, and the potential for legal battles is high. While TSC is confident in its position, especially with the upcoming salary releases, Kuppet remains defiant, insisting that the strike is justified and necessary to address teachers’ pressing issues.
The outcome of this conflict will have significant implications for the education sector in Kenya. Both parties need to find common ground to protect the interests of teachers, students, and the broader education system. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be reached or if the conflict will continue to escalate.
Teachers to Face Disciplinary Action Amidst Escalating Union Dispute.
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