KUPPET Finally Calls Off Teachers’ Strike. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) decided to call off the strike that teachers had begun last week following a meeting with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) on Monday.
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia and KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori jointly stated at a press conference that the strike had been called off while TSC addressed outstanding concerns.
“The collective bargaining agreement has been paid, medical coverage has been reinstated, and TSC is looking for money to promote as many teachers as possible and is discussing on confirmation of teachers in acting position,” Misori said in reference to teacher advancement.
He went on to say that teachers who participated in the walkout would not suffer any consequences.
“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,” Macharia continued. “We are cognizant of the fact that our teachers are very hardworking.”
KUPPET Finally Calls Off Teachers’ Strike
“It’s a policy document with a lot to cover, but we’ve made progress and will update everyone on our progress,”
The strike was initially intended to compel the implementation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the years 2021–2025.
The government is currently implementing the second phase of the CBA, however KUPPET claims that the salary increase is insufficient to meet the demands of the teachers.
Despite the ongoing strike, instructors acknowledge that some progress has been made, such as the government’s pledge to hire JSS instructors and pay those who cover for them decently.
However, KUPPET is clear that more work needs to be done, particularly with regard to teacher advancement.