In a significant development for the education sector in Kenya, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have inked a historic Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Kenya. The agreement, hailed as a landmark accord, aims to foster better industrial relations and ensure the smooth functioning of the education system in the country.
The CBA, which comes after extensive negotiations between the unions and the TSC, contains provisions aimed at promoting peace, professionalism, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms within the teaching profession. One of the key highlights of the agreement is the requirement for the unions to obtain permission from the TSC before calling for any strike action, a move intended to prevent disruptions to learning activities and safeguard the dignity of the teaching profession.
Under the terms of the CBA, both KUPPET and KNUT have committed to several obligations aimed at maintaining a conducive learning environment and upholding the integrity of the teaching profession. These obligations include:
Discouraging Breach of Peace: The unions are obligated to discourage any actions by their members that may lead to the disruption of peace or civil unrest, which could impact the learning process and undermine the dignity of teachers.
Ensuring Professional Conduct: Union representatives and officials are required to refrain from engaging in any activities during their official duties that may disrupt learning or the duties of their members. This includes obtaining permission from the Commission for any activities that could potentially disrupt school programs.
Reporting Grievances: The unions are tasked with ensuring that any collective grievances are reported directly to the Commission Secretary for prompt remedial action, promoting a transparent and efficient dispute resolution process.
Promoting Professionalism: KUPPET and KNUT are mandated to encourage professionalism among their members by discouraging actions such as causing damage to institutional property, intimidating colleagues who do not participate in industrial action, denying access to school premises during strikes, and using inappropriate language towards learners, colleagues, or employers.
The signing of the CBA marks a significant milestone in the relationship between teachers’ unions and the TSC, demonstrating a commitment to constructive engagement and collaboration in addressing issues affecting the education sector. It is hoped that the implementation of the agreement will contribute to a more stable and conducive learning environment for both teachers and students across the country.
Commenting on the agreement, officials from both KUPPET and KNUT expressed optimism about its potential to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of the teaching profession in Kenya. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the terms of the CBA and working collaboratively with the TSC to address any challenges that may arise.
In conclusion, the signing of the CBA between KUPPET, KNUT, and TSC Kenya represents a positive step towards improving industrial relations and promoting excellence in the education sector. By prioritizing dialogue, cooperation, and professionalism, the parties involved have laid the foundation for a more harmonious and productive working relationship, ultimately benefiting teachers, students, and the education system as a whole.
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