Strike still on, says KUPPET after negotiations with TSC fail

 A nationwide teachers' strike is set to commence tomorrow after last-minute negotiations between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) failed to yield a resolution. 

The strike comes in the wake of mounting frustration among educators over unresolved grievances, which they claim the TSC has failed to address adequately.

The core of the disagreement centres around a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that has been in the works for some time. 

Last week, the TSC offered KUPPET Ksh 13.3 billion as part of the CBA, but this proposal was met with resistance from the union. 

While the funds were a significant gesture, KUPPET argued that the TSC had effectively sidelined other critical issues that had been part of the original negotiations.

KUPPET officials have accused the TSC of reneging on earlier commitments, leaving several key demands unaddressed. 

These include calls for better working conditions, promotions, and the harmonisation of allowances. 

According to KUPPET, the TSC’s latest offer is insufficient and falls short of the promises made in previous discussions.

Speaking to the press, KUPPET Secretary-General Akello Misori expressed disappointment over the TSC’s handling of the situation.

 "We have been negotiating in good faith, but the TSC’s actions show a lack of commitment to resolving the broader issues that affect our teachers daily," Misori stated. 

"When we meet TSC was not commetal to adress any of our issues we have tabled."Akello stated

"The TSC, on the other hand, has maintained that the Ksh 13.3 billion offer is a substantial step towards addressing the financial aspects of the CBA. 

However, they have yet to comment on the union's claims that other grievances were ignored.As the strike looms,teachers and students are urged to stay away from schools.

KUPPET has urged its members to stand firm until a satisfactory agreement is reached, while the TSC has called for continued dialogue to avoid further disruption to the education sector.