KUPPET calls off teacher strike after meeting with TSC
After representatives from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) met with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday, the organization decided to end the walkout that teachers had started last week.
At a joint news conference, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia and KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori announced that the strike was called off in the meantime while TSC handled unresolved issues.
In regards to teacher promotion, Misori stated, “The collective bargaining agreement has been paid, medical coverage has been reinstated, and TSC is looking for money to promote as many teachers as possible and is discussing on confirmation of teachers in acting position.”
He went on to say that teachers who participated in the walkout would not suffer any consequences.
“We met with the unions today because the children are greater than all of us and we are joining efforts to ensure they cover the lost time,” Macharia continued. “We are cognizant of the fact that our teachers are very hardworking.”
“It’s a policy document with a lot to cover, but we’ve made progress and will update everyone on our progress,”
The original purpose of the strike was to force the 2021–2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) into effect.
The CBA’s second phase is now being implemented by the government, but according to KUPPET, the pay increase is not enough to meet the needs of the teachers.
instructors admit that there has been some progress despite the ongoing strike, such as the government’s promise to hire JSS instructors and fairly compensate those filling in.
But KUPPET is adamant that more needs to be done, especially in terms of teacher promotion.
KUPPET calls off teacher strike after meeting with TSC.
