Teachers Warn KUPPET Against Ending Strike Before Sunday’s Meeting.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has received a strong caution from Kenyan educators not to end the current strike too soon.
The post, which has received a lot of attention on social media, highlights the growing discontent among educators who are demanding that their requests be fulfilled before decisions are made to end industrial action.
Increasing Strain on KUPPET Leadership
A pivotal meeting of the KUPPET leadership is scheduled for Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Kasarani Sportsview Hotel in Nairobi. The meeting will examine the first week of the strike and determine a course of action. It is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m.
The walkout, which has brought secondary schools in Kenya to a complete halt, has attracted a lot of attention as educators voice their dissatisfaction about unfulfilled requests on compensation and working conditions.
A notification bearing the signature of KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori states that important union representatives, such as National Chairman Omboko Milemba and National Vice Chairman Julius Korir, as well as other senior union members, will be present at the National Governing Council (NGC) meeting. Evaluating the impact of the strike and determining whether to pursue industrial action further or look into alternative options is the main agenda item for the meeting.
But as the conference draws near, educators have made it clear that they are adamantly against any resolution that would put an end to the walkout without receiving concessions from the government or the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Prematurely ending the strike, according to the teachers, would weaken their negotiating position and fail to address their complaints.
Instructors Express Dissatisfaction on Social Media
Teachers all throughout the nation have vented on social media, cautioning union leaders not to give in to pressure from the TSC or from elected authorities. Many believe that prior strikes have not produced lasting solutions, and they are resolved to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Speaking to the K47 Digital News crew, a teacher advised the union officials to resist giving in to outside pressure. “I hope our delegates are not persuaded in any way to end the strike,” the educator said, highlighting the significance of solidarity among union members.
Another educator expressed their agreement to carry on with the strike despite the TSC’s threat to stop union deductions. “Wasijaribu kutishwa, even if TSC fails to remit union deductions tutachanga,” the instructor remarked, hinting that if required, educators might find other ways to financially support their union. The instructor proposed that a paybill number be established so that educators may freely donate money to support the union and the strike.
“Watengeneze paybill, and I’m prepared to set up a system that guarantees everyone who has sent money to the union paybill will sign up,” the instructor went on. “TSC cannot anticipate the same outcomes after decades of using the same strategies. They are dealing with educators this time around who won’t let up until their complaints are resolved.
The Strike’s Motivating Grievances
The strike is still in place as a result of several complaints instructors feel the TSC has been ignoring for a long time. These include requests for increased compensation, better working conditions, promotions, and a review of current regulations that educators feel are harmful to their well-being and professional development.
Many educators contend that the pay scales in place do not fairly compensate for their training and the growing expense of living. In addition, they want an end to what they refer to as “unfair promotions,” in which more junior, less experienced teachers are given preference over long-serving teachers. Concerns exist over the sufficiency of resources in schools as well, since many educators operate in unfavorable environments that impede efficient instruction and learning.
The Teachers Service Commission’s Function
At the heart of the controversy is the TSC, the government organization in charge of overseeing human resources in the education sector. Teachers have charged that the TSC is avoiding genuine negotiations by employing delaying tactics and failing to address their issues.
The TSC’s tardiness in remitting union deductions is among the primary concerns brought forth by the educators. As a result, KUPPET and other teachers’ unions are under financial strain, which makes it harder for them to serve their members and makes them less powerful in talks.
In spite of these obstacles, KUPPET is unwavering in its dedication to supporting educators’ rights. Akelo Misori, the secretary general, has urged the government to hold sincere talks with the union in order to resolve the current problems in a way that would last.
The Meeting on Sunday: A Crucial Event
All eyes are on KUPPET’s leadership and the decisions they will make regarding the strike as Sunday’s meeting approaches. There will be a lot of pressure on the National Governing Council to strike a compromise between its members’ interests and the conditions of the continuing negotiations with the TSC and the government.
The outcome of the meeting will probably have a significant impact on how the strike plays out. Union leaders will need to consider whether there is a chance to reach a compromise with the government versus the possible repercussions of carrying on with the strike.
The message to teachers on the ground is clear: they want KUPPET to maintain its position and make sure that their demands are not ignored. Any decision to end the strike without achieving concrete goals would spark more dissatisfaction among educators nationwide as well as within the union.
In summary
The meeting’s conclusion on Sunday might have a significant impact on Kenya’s educational system. Future labor relations in the school system will be greatly influenced by the actions taken in the next several days, with teachers holding fast to their demands and KUPPET under pressure to provide results.
Both the administration and the teachers’ unions need to figure out how to resolve the core grievances as the strike moves into its second week. If this isn’t done, the educational system may be disrupted for a long time, with children ultimately suffering from the standoff.
Teachers Warn KUPPET Against Ending Strike Before Sunday’s Meeting.
