Strike looms as TSC, unions’ talks fail

Public schools might not reopen next week following the collapse of talks between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and unions yesterday.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) insisted their members must be paid the 50-60 per cent salary increment by August 31 failure to which they would strike.

KNUT officials yesterday rejected TSC's plea that teachers do not boycott classes to allow schools to reopen next week. KUPPET officials snubbed the meeting.

KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion (PHOTO: COURTESY)

"We are where we are because they never engaged us. We only came because it is good to listen but nothing has changed. If teachers are not paid the adjusted basic salaries by end of the month no schools will open," said KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion (pictured).

He said the strike is not negotiable as all avenues had been exhausted. "We co-operated with the courts all through because it is TSC that took us to court. We have emerged victorious three times. What else do they want from us?" Sossion asked.

KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori termed the meeting convened by TSC "a waste of time and a ploy to shift teachers' focus from the basic pay".

Misori said the meeting was not properly constituted and was deliberately designed by the employer to forestall the implementation of the court award. He said the only meeting KUPPET will attend is the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement as was directed by Labour and Employment Court on June 30.

"The teachers of Kenya should get ready for any eventuality should TSC fail to pay by August 31 because it is evident we are facing a great battle," said Misori.

He said TSC only requires Sh3.5 billion to implement payment of the first month. TSC is on record saying they require Sh17 billion to honour the award. Addressing the press yesterday, Misori said the court ruling was elaborate and self-explanatory rendering the meeting by TSC baseless and a mere public relations gimmick.

"We know them. They never mean well in such meetings," said Misori.

Speaking after the meeting, TSC Head of Communication Kihumba Kamotho said commissioners impressed upon Knut to allow the over 10 million learners to reopen schools next week.

Sent letter

"We asked them that as the Government goes ahead with consultations to allow the children to open schools next week," said Kamotho.

TSC commissioners, Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia and chairperson Lydia Nzomo attended the meeting.

Sossion said TSC informed Knut that they had written to the Treasury to provide funds: "But we told them that what teachers want is enhanced pay at the end of the month."

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, however, said he was yet to receive any letter from TSC. "Not yet seen," said Rotich in a text message.

Attempts to verify the information from Nzomo were futile as her phone went unanswered and she did not respond to text messages.

The latest effort by TSC comes as Knut and KUPPET accused the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of contempt of court for discussing substantive issues before the Court of Appeal. SRC claimed yesterday that teachers do not deserve higher pay as they are well remunerated and at par with the rest of the public servants.

"This is the issue pending hearing and determination by the Court of Appeal. Serem should accord the Court of Appeal the space to adjudicate on the issue," said Sossion in a statement sent to the newsroom last evening.

Misori said the only body they can engage in matters salary is their employer and not SRC.

"The SRC has now outstretched its mandate," said Misori. "The commission is independent and has no role in advising teachers in Kenya."