KUPPET Latest News to Teachers and JSS Interns Amid Rising Concerns Over Strike.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) addressed the discontent generated by certain individuals allegedly sabotaging the union’s efforts and reiterated its commitment to the continuing strike in a sharply worded statement released today.
The union and the government are still at odds over the strike, which aims to address a number of important concerns impacting instructors, particularly JSS interns.
Akelo Misori, the secretary-general of KUPPET, signed the statement, which addressed allegations made by people posing as JSS leaders on social media. These people had allegedly indicated to KUPPET that the union had given them authorization to negotiate with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC); KUPPET has since refuted these assertions.
Misori made it clear that these people weren’t speaking for the union and charged them with trying to lessen the significance of the strike. The statement said, “We wish to distance ourselves from such individuals who are being used to undo the progress we have made thus far.”
KUPPET’s Position on the Ongoing Strike and JSS Interns
KUPPET has made no secret of the demands it has for the JSS interns’ confirmation. The union has presented the government with six irreducible minimums, one of which is the prompt and unqualified confirmation of the 46,000 interns who are now working across the nation.
KUPPET claims that despite multiple attempts at discussion, no agreement has been achieved with the government on this issue.
The union made it clear that talks with the government were still going on and that today’s meeting would be very important. Misori assured the JSS interns that their interests were being actively sought at the negotiating table, and in light of this, she asked them to enable the union to handle the matter as a labor dispute.
During this crucial period, KUPPET emphasized the need of unity among its members, especially JSS instructors and interns.
The statement restated that all interns were entitled to the union’s protections because the strike was legally protected. Misori continued, “We advise those individuals to refrain from making false statements to the interns and instead allow the union to investigate this matter as a labor dispute.”
False information on social media
Social media’s ascent has presented KUPPET and other unions with new difficulties. False information can spread quickly since there are people claiming to represent different factions within the teaching body. Misori’s message specifically addressed individuals disseminating false information about the union’s position on the strike and its discussions with the TSC.
No outsider, especially one posing as a national leader of the JSS, has been given permission by the union to communicate with the TSC on their behalf. As the teachers’ officially recognized representative, KUPPET continues to be the sole organization with the authority to bargain with the government on issues that impact its members.
Misori urged teachers to band together and issued a warning that such false information might reduce the union’s ability to bargain collectively. He also conveyed optimism that the disagreement might be resolved in a way that would benefit all parties given the union’s ongoing efforts.
The Battle for the Rights of Teachers
The current strike is an extension of Kenya’s larger fight for teachers’ rights. The confirmation of the 46,000 interns, improved working conditions, pay increases, and the introduction of government measures that have an immediate impact on teachers’ livelihoods are the main points of contention in the current disagreement.
The leadership of KUPPET has demonstrated that they will not give up until the government accedes to their demands, and they have been in the forefront of the movement to change these conditions. Teachers all throughout the nation are supporting the strike, and KUPPET members have organized many picket lines and protests in different counties.
The union is hopeful that a settlement can be achieved shortly even while the walkout drags on. Maintaining unity among its members is crucial, according to KUPPET, since their combined efforts will be necessary to bring about the reforms they want to see.
The Reaction of the Government
The government has insisted that it is dedicated to breaking the current deadlock through the Teachers Service Commission. It has, however, advised the unions and teachers to exercise patient, citing the ongoing talks as evidence of goodwill.
The TSC has voiced concerns on the strike’s effects on the educational system, especially in light of the difficulties the nation is currently facing in implementing the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
In addition to urging teachers to report back to work while talks are ongoing, the Commission has reassured the public that it is making every effort to find a solution to the current problems.
KUPPET, on the other hand, is unwavering in their demands and says the walkout will continue until they are satisfied. The union’s leadership has threatened to confront any move by the government to weaken the strike with greater vigor as they pledge to keep fighting for the rights of teachers and interns.
The Direction of Travel
Thousands of teachers and interns are in danger of losing their jobs while KUPPET and the government negotiate. The most recent letter from KUPPET reminds its members that it is worthwhile to fight for their rights and stresses the value of solidarity and fortitude in the face of hardship.
The leadership of the union has also urged the government to take prompt action in response to the instructors’ concerns, especially with regard to the JSS interns’ confirmation. At present, the strike is still in effect, and everyone’s attention is focused on the result of the current talks.
KUPPET Latest News to Teachers and JSS Interns Amid Rising Concerns Over Strike.
