Labour’s CS Mutua Knut officials, attempts to avert teachers’ strike.
Labor Secretary Alfred Mutua met on Tuesday with representatives from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to address concerns about the non-implementation of the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The meeting was led by KNUT National Chairman Patrick Munuhe and Secretary General Collins Oyuu.
Key Concerns Raised
- Phase Two of the 2021 CBA: One major concern is the second phase of the CBA, which includes a pay increase of 7% to 9%. This phase was set to take effect on July 1, 2024, but the unions accuse the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) of neglecting its execution.
- Implementation Issues: KNUT and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have raised multiple grievances including:
- Non-implementation of the CBA’s addendum.
- Insufficient advancement of 130,000 stagnant teachers.
- Need for 20,000 new teachers on permanent and pensionable terms.
- Problems with the teachers’ medical plan, Sacco and loan deductions, and delays in retirement benefit payments.
Impending Strike
On August 7, KNUT and KUPPET issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the resolution of these issues. If unresolved, the unions plan to initiate a strike starting August 26. The unions have expressed frustration over the delays and unmet promises.
Government Response
During the meeting, Mutua promised to work with his Cabinet colleagues and other relevant bodies to address the unions’ concerns. He acknowledged the need to resolve the issues promptly to prevent industrial unrest.
Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary for Labor, also attended the meeting. The discussion underscored the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ interests and maintaining good workplace relations.
Financial Concerns
There are worries that recent budget cuts may affect the implementation of the pay increases outlined in the CBA. The TSC’s recurrent budget was reduced by Sh10.2 billion, raising concerns about the feasibility of honoring the CBA commitments.
Julius Melly, Chair of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education, emphasized that educators have the option to strike, disrupt teaching, and file legal complaints if their grievances are not addressed. The committee highlighted that the government should avoid industrial unrest given the current economic and social climate.
Next Steps
Mutua plans to hold a follow-up meeting with KNUT delegates in a week to review the situation and continue discussions. This effort aims to maintain industrial peace and ensure that teachers’ issues are resolved effectively.
Mutua’s engagement reflects the government’s broader goal of safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring stability in the education sector.
