It is back to class for teachers and students after the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) called off the teachers’ strike which began last week. The Strike was called off after top officials met with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia told a joint press conference that the strike was called off pending matters that are to be addressed by TSC.
“The collective bargaining agreement has been paid, medical cover restored and on issues of teacher promotion, TSC is looking for money to promote as many teachers as possible and is discussing on confirmation of teachers in acting position,” Misori said.
He added that teachers who took part in the industrial action will not be victimized.
On her part Dr. Macharia said that: “We are cognizant of the fact that our teachers are very hardworking and we met with the unions today because the children are greater than all of us and we are joining efforts to ensure they cover the lost time.”
“It is a policy document and there is much to cover but we have gone a step ahead and will keep everyone posted on the progress.”
The strike was initially called to push for the implementation of the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
While the government has moved to implement the second phase of the CBA, KUPPET maintains that the salary increment is insufficient to meet the teachers’ needs.
The teachers’ union acknowledged some progress, including the government’s commitment to hire Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and properly remunerate those serving in acting positions. The Commission has also fully implemented the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, with adjusted salaries and allowances.
However, KUPPET insists that more action is needed, particularly regarding the promotion of teachers.
Here is the full Return to Work Formula between KUPPET and TSC:
