KUPPET Ends Teachers’ Strike After Negotiations with TSC
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has officially ended the teachers’ strike that began last week. This decision comes after a productive meeting between KUPPET officials and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday.
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Meeting Resolves Key Issues
During a joint press conference, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia announced the strike had been called off. Misori explained that the Teachers Service Commission had agreed to address several critical concerns. Among the key resolutions were the implementation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the restoration of medical cover, and a commitment by TSC to secure funds for promoting more teachers. TSC is also working to confirm teachers who are currently serving in acting positions.
Misori reassured teachers that no punitive measures would be taken against those who participated in the industrial action. He added, “We have secured essential gains for our members, and we are optimistic that the remaining issues will be resolved.”
Teachers to Receive Support
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia affirmed the commission’s dedication to supporting teachers. She highlighted their hard work and commitment, stressing that TSC is collaborating with unions to help students recover lost time. “Our students’ education is paramount, and we are unified in our efforts to ensure they recover the time lost due to the strike,” she said.
Although the collective bargaining agreement remains a comprehensive policy document, Macharia expressed optimism about the progress made. She promised to provide regular updates as more strides are made.
What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)?
Push for Better Conditions
The initial strike was called by KUPPET to push the government to fully implement the 2021-2025 CBA. Although the government has moved forward with the second phase of the agreement, KUPPET insists that the current salary increment falls short of adequately addressing the financial needs of teachers.
In response, the government has committed to hiring additional Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and properly compensating those currently in acting positions. However, KUPPET maintains that there is still more to be done in terms of promoting teachers and improving their working conditions.
Further Negotiations Expected
Both KUPPET and TSC have agreed to continue discussions aimed at resolving the remaining issues. Misori acknowledged that while progress has been made, more work remains to meet teachers’ full demands. TSC, in turn, reiterated its commitment to finding the necessary funding to promote teachers, while emphasizing the need for educational stability.
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Both parties have pledged to work together towards a resolution, aiming for solutions that not only benefit teachers but also ensure uninterrupted learning for students across the country. Teachers and students alike are now looking forward to returning to the classroom, hopeful that the ongoing negotiations will continue to improve conditions for Kenya’s educators.
For now, the strike may be over, but KUPPET’s efforts to secure better working conditions continue. Teachers are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating the next steps in these important negotiations.
