KNUT SG Explains Why Teachers Will Down Tools Soon
In a new effort to persuade the government to listen to their demands, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is considering organizing its members to lay down their tools just before schools reopen for the third term.
Speaking at the Union’s offices on August 6, 2024, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu stated that the second phase of the 2021 – 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) had not yet been implemented.
“It is in the public domain that all is not well in the teaching fraternity,” Collins Oyuu said.
Where is the money? KNUT boss Collins Oyuu explains why teachers are considering Term Three strike pic.twitter.com/IT2cs2MLE3
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) August 6, 2024
“We agreed last year on the amendment of the CBA that was to cut across two phases. Phase one was paid in 2023 July, and phase two was to be paid in 2024 July. This has not happened.”
“A signed agreement in the name of CBA documented in law is not respected that is the reason why my teachers are mad.”
Accompanied by other officials, the Secretary-General revealed that the union had already written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) demanding a meeting on August 7, 2024, to discuss their grievances.
“We have written to the TSC, this leads to industrial action which might not be escaped in any way,” Oyuu noted.
The KNUT has served a strike notice to the Ministries of Education and Labour as part of the requirement to call for legal industrial action.
If the talks fail, KNUT will seek ratification from the national executive council to proceed with a nationwide strike.
“We can’t listen anymore; the issue of deductions that haven’t been remitted to banks is affecting teachers,” the secretary general said.
Oyuu also inquired as to the status of the money promised in the CBA agreement.
They believe that the third term is the best time to push for comprehensive action on their demands.
Officials expressed concern that the government has taken the teaching profession for granted and ignored it.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the TSC’s failure to address their concerns.
“Is it illegal to become a teacher? Is it sinful to become a teacher? If anything, this is a noble profession,” they stated.
KNUT SG Explains Why Teachers Will Down Tools Soon
