TSC & KNUT Meet Ahead of Third Term Teachers Strike
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has announced a crucial meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) scheduled for Wednesday, August 7. This meeting aims to address unresolved issues surrounding the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and potentially avert a planned teachers’ strike.
Mr. Oyuu emphasized that KNUT had taken initial steps by writing to the employer, demanding this crucial meeting. Should the meeting fail to resolve the issues, KNUT is prepared to issue a strike notice. This planned action could coincide with the third term of the academic year, which Oyuu defended as the most strategic time to take action given the current situation.
Key Issues and Details:
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Phases:
- Phase One: Paid in July 2023.
- Phase Two: Due in July 2024 but remains unpaid.
Meeting with TSC:
- Date: Scheduled for August 7, 2024.
- Purpose: To resolve the ongoing issues related to the CBA and avoid a strike.
Strike Timing:
- Planned Term: Third term of the academic year.
- Reasoning: Despite potential disruptions, Oyuu argued this period is the most effective for action given the circumstances.
Loan Deductions:
- Current Issue: Teachers are aware of their loan repayments, but banks report non-receipt of funds, indicating that deducted amounts have not reached the banks.
KNUT’s Stand:
KNUT remains firm in its demand for the fulfillment of the CBA and the resolution of deduction issues. Oyuu emphasized that the proposed strike is seen as necessary to address these ongoing concerns. He highlighted the union’s frustration with the delays and non-payment of the agreed-upon CBA phases, stressing that the teachers have been patient but cannot wait indefinitely for their dues.
Potential Impact:
The potential strike could significantly disrupt the third term of the academic year. However, Oyuu defended the timing, arguing that the strike’s timing is strategic and necessary to draw attention to the teachers’ plight and force a resolution. He acknowledged the legal challenges but reiterated that the union feels compelled to act due to the prolonged unresolved issues.
KNUT’s Strategy:
The union has employed various strategies, including negotiation and political advocacy, to resolve these issues. The planned meeting with TSC is a critical step in this process. Should the meeting fail to yield a satisfactory resolution, KNUT is prepared to escalate the situation by issuing a strike notice, reinforcing their commitment to fighting for the teachers’ rights and entitlements.
In summary, the upcoming meeting with TSC on August 7 is a pivotal moment for resolving the CBA issues and potentially averting a strike. KNUT remains resolute in its demands, emphasizing that the proposed strike is a necessary measure to address the ongoing concerns and ensure that teachers receive what they are rightfully owed.
