Teachers' strike: Kuppet writes to TSC seeking resolution
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Secretary General Akelo Misori addresses the media flanked by other officials in Nairobi on August 25, 2024.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has formally written to the Teachers Service Commission seeking to resolve the ongoing strike and urging for an amicable resolution to its dispute with the employer.
In a letter dated 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 boss Dr Nancy Macharia, says.
In the letter, the union reassured the teachers' employer of its law-abiding nature and expressed its readiness to address matters at hand in a constructive manner.
Kuppet wants to hold a meeting with TSC on Thursday, August 29, 2024, saying its teachers are ready “to resolve issues amicably and without prejudice.”
This is a shift from Wednesday when the teachers’ union defied a Labour Court order halting the boycott. Kuppet had asked striking teachers to ignore the order and keep off classes.
It also comes after some striking teachers were seen turning on members who were in class despite the industrial action.
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 TSC time to address their demands.
Among the teacher’s demands are 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 teachers' strike called by Kuppet pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by TSC.
