COTU to TSC: Address Teachers’ Concerns or Be Scrapped.
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has urged the Teachers Service Commission to refrain from leveraging threats and court orders against teachers on strike.
COTU, through its Secretary General Francis Atwoli, urged TSC and the striking Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers to work together to reach an amicable return-to-work agreement to terminate the heated strike.
Atwoli stated that COTU will back teachers in whatever endeavors they undertake, and urged TSC to halt threats and intimidation.
Atwoli, speaking during the burial of KUPPET National Chairman Omboko Milemba’s brother in Erusilo, Luanda Constituency, Vihiga County, said TSC and teachers should sit down and resolve the dispute amicably rather than victimizing teachers for joining the strike.
Francis Atwoli underlined that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) exists for teachers and must continually address their concerns while serving as a conduit between teachers and the government. Francis Atwoli issued a warning, stating that failure to fulfill its role will result in the scrapping of TSC.
“TSC is there because of teachers, and it must always respond to the teachers’ needs and act as a bridge between teachers and the government. If TSC does not do that we will scrap it,” said Atwoli.
Atwoli also emphasized the importance of a return-to-work formula, and he and Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua agreed that TSC should immediately schedule a meeting with teachers to help them return to work.
According to him, while Education Minister Julius Migosi acknowledged in his letter that the government has already responded to some of the teachers’ demands, TSC should react quickly because teachers are willing to report to work as early as tomorrow.
Teachers’ Intimidation
Atwoli stated that teachers are ready for negotiations, but TSC has been urging them to return to work, citing the court order.
Some people were issuing letters to teachers, questioning them about arranging the strike, according to Atwoli. He emphasized that this behavior amounted to intimidation, asserting that the constitution guarantees the right to strike. He further stated that any attempt to eliminate this privilege would require a referendum.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa shared his comments, calling for a discussion between the TSC and the protesting teachers.
Addressing mourners at the funeral of a high school principal in Malava Constituency, Barasa expressed concern about the extended deadlock and its negative impact on kids.
“The supremacy battle between the Teachers Service Commission and the teachers is not just a power struggle; it is an issue that affects our children’s future,” stated Barasa.
While urging the TSC to make a realistic offer that will allow for negotiations and stop the strike, Barasa stated that those studying for national examinations will suffer the most.
COTU to TSC: Address Teachers’ Concerns or Be Scrapped.
