Teacher Unions Consider Strike Withdrawal After TSC Talks

Teacher unions are considering calling off a planned strike set for next week after productive discussions with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

In a press statement made on August 21, the TSC confirmed that a consultative meeting was held with the three teacher unions, including the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET).

This meeting followed a directive issued by President William Ruto on June 16, urging the TSC to engage with the unions so as to address their grievances.

“His Excellency the President William Ruto, on Friday, June 16th, 2024, ordered the Teachers Service Commission to hold talks with the teachers’ unions with a view to resolving an industrial dispute on various issues affecting the welfare of public-school teachers,” reads part of the statement.

“The directive came on the back of a strike notice issued by the teachers unions over the contentious issues. The TSC invited the three teacher unions (KNUT, KUPPET and KUSNET) to talks here today to discuss the issues.”

Issues Resolved During the Meeting

A major focus of the discussions was the delayed implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

Following the discussions, TSC announced that the government has allocated funds needed for the implementation of the second phase of the CBA, effective July 1, 2024.

Also Read: Alfred Mutua Issues Statement Amid Looming Teachers’ Strike

“After today’s discussions, the Commission is pleased to announce that the Government has provided funds for the implementation of the 2nd phase of the CBA with effect from 1st July 2024,” noted TSC

Other issues resolved during the discussions include:

• Review of the Career Progression Guidelines is ongoing Up to date remittance of third-party deductions
• Teachers can now access both public and private hospitals under the Teachers Medical Scheme.
• The Government has provided resources for retooling of teachers for the implementation of CBC.
• The TSC has promoted 51,232 teachers under competitive promotions and a further 20,000 annually on common cadre.

Teacher Unions Agree to Hold Consultations Regarding the Strike

According to TSC, the unions said they would consult their members regarding the strike notice, acknowledging the commission’s commitment to resolving these issues. 

“The unions have noted the TSC position and agreed to consult their internal organs with a view to withdrawing the strike notice,” stated TSC.

Also Read: Teachers Issue New Strike Threat

Further, TSC thanked the unions for their engagement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a conducive learning environment as schools prepare to reopen for the third term. 

“We are therefore beseeching all our teachers to report to schools on Monday for the start of the Third Term now that the Government has released funds for the implementation of the second phase of the 2021-2025 СВА.” said the TSC.

Additionally, the commission thanked the government for providing resources needed for the CBA Implementation and all other teacher programmes despite harsh economic environment present in the country.

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