In a pivotal development, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have issued a joint statement, confirming that a nationwide teachers’ strike will commence on Monday, August 26, 2024. This follows a failed meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) where the majority of the unions’ demands remained unresolved.
The Unsuccessful Consultative Meeting
On the evening of August 20, 2024, the Teachers Service Commission convened a consultative meeting with KUPPET and KNUT. The unions had hoped for a decisive resolution to their longstanding grievances. However, despite the high expectations surrounding this meeting, the unions left disappointed. The TSC had little to show for its efforts, with only one out of the six demands being addressed.
The unions did note some progress regarding the implementation of Phase Two of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). According to the TSC, it had received the full budgetary allocation for the CBA, and teachers would begin receiving their arrears for July in their August payslips. While this was a significant achievement for teachers, KUPPET and KNUT emphasized that it was just one part of a larger set of demands.
The Core Unresolved Demands
Five critical issues remain at the center of the ongoing labor dispute between teachers and the TSC. These unresolved demands include:
- Permanent Employment for Intern Teachers: KUPPET and KNUT have demanded the immediate confirmation of 46,000 intern teachers into permanent and pensionable positions. Despite the crucial role these interns play in the education system, they have yet to receive the job security they deserve.
- Promotions for Stagnant Teachers: Around 130,000 teachers have been stagnating in their positions, waiting for long-overdue promotions. While these teachers have already been shortlisted and interviewed for new grades, the TSC has failed to take further action on their promotions.
- Recruitment of New Teachers: The unions have called for the immediate recruitment of 20,000 new teachers specifically for the Junior Secondary School (JSS) program. With the growing demand for quality education at the JSS level, the recruitment of additional teachers is seen as a critical step in addressing teacher shortages.
- Remittance of Third-Party Deductions: Teachers have also raised concerns about the TSC’s failure to remit third-party deductions. These deductions, which include payments to SACCOs, insurance companies, and other financial institutions, have not been remitted on time, causing significant financial distress for many teachers.
- Negotiations for a New CBA: Lastly, KUPPET and KNUT have called for the commencement of negotiations for a new CBA round. With the current agreement set to expire in 2025, the unions are eager to engage in discussions on the terms and conditions of the next agreement. Unfortunately, the TSC has shown little interest in initiating these talks.
KUPPET and KNUT’s Frustrations with TSC
In their joint statement, KUPPET and KNUT highlighted their frustrations with the TSC’s handling of the situation. For over a year, the unions have sought amicable solutions to their grievances, only to be met with what they describe as “bad faith” from the TSC. According to the unions, the TSC has consistently delayed action and failed to take their concerns seriously, leading to a loss of trust between the employer and the unions.
The unions have taken several steps to address the situation, including registering a labor dispute under Section 62 of the Labour Relations Act. This prompted the involvement of the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, who was tasked with mediating the dispute. However, the unions argue that Dr. Mutua’s intervention has done little to shift the TSC’s stance.
Strike Notices Issued
With no progress made on the five core demands, KUPPET and KNUT issued strike notices under Section 76(c) of the Labour Relations Act. These notices signaled the unions’ intention to withdraw their labor unless the TSC took immediate action to address their grievances. The Commission had pleaded with the unions to call off the strike, citing the implementation of the CBA as a step in the right direction. However, the unions have maintained that the implementation of the CBA is only one part of the larger issue.
Both KUPPET and KNUT clarified that the decision to call off the strike would ultimately be made by their respective governing bodies. For KUPPET, this decision lies with the National Governing Council, while for KNUT, it rests with the National Executive Council. The unions have committed to convening these organs once they receive a concrete response from the TSC regarding the five unresolved demands.
The Planned Strike
As things stand, the strike is set to begin on Monday, August 26, 2024. KUPPET and KNUT have assured their members that the strike is legally protected and called on all teachers to withdraw their labor from midnight on Sunday, August 25, 2024. The unions have also urged parents, school communities, and other stakeholders to join them in their fight for teachers’ rights and the right of Kenyan children to quality education.
The Impact of the Strike
The planned strike is expected to have a significant impact on the education sector in Kenya. With thousands of teachers set to down their tools, schools across the country may face disruptions in their operations. Parents and students will likely be affected, with uncertainty surrounding the start of the new term.
However, KUPPET and KNUT have emphasized that the strike is not just about teachers’ grievances; it is also about ensuring that the education system remains robust and that students receive the quality education they deserve. The unions have framed their struggle as one that benefits not only teachers but also the entire education ecosystem.
Conclusion
The joint statement from KUPPET and KNUT makes it clear that the unions are not backing down from their demands. While the implementation of the 2021-2025 CBA is a positive development, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Until the TSC takes meaningful action on the five unresolved demands, the unions remain committed to their planned strike.
As the August 26 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the TSC to see if any last-minute efforts will be made to avert the strike. The ball is now in the TSC’s court, and the future of Kenya’s education system hangs in the balance. Teachers, parents, and students alike are hoping for a resolution, but for now, the strike is set to proceed as planned.
