Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), has strongly refuted claims that the union is colluding with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) following recent developments regarding the nationwide teachers' strike.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kyuso teachers in Kyuso town, Oyuu clarified that the union's recent advice to teachers to avoid the strike and instead engage with the government was made with the intention of pursuing the best interests of its members, not to curry favor with any party.
"On a serious note, we shall continue addressing issues of teachers squarely with the employer. We must safeguard the position of the teachers and ensure we have a professional workforce," Oyuu asserted.
He emphasized that the decision to suspend the strike on August 25 was made with unanimous support from the teaching community, reflecting the union's commitment to resolving matters in a manner that serves its workers effectively.
KNUT's decision to halt the strike came after careful consideration of all available options and ongoing discussions with both the government and TSC.
Despite some reservations about the steps taken to address pressing issues, KNUT remains hopeful about the government's commitment to meeting the union's demands.
The union's key demands include permanent employment for 46,000 Junior Secondary School teachers, promotions for 130,000 teachers, the immediate implementation of the second phase of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between TSC and KNUT, and the prompt remittance of third-party deductions.
In response, TSC reported that it has promoted 51,232 teachers, remitted the third-party deductions, and is in the process of implementing the amended CBA.
Meanwhile, teachers from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have remained resolute in their call for demonstrations, demanding better healthcare, promotions, and the confirmation of Junior Secondary School teachers to permanent and pensionable status.
Oyuu noted that while KUPPET's demands are significant, KNUT has addressed 90% of the concerns raised, including the forthcoming confirmation of JSS teachers as permanent employees within the next few months.
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