COTU warns TSC against victimising teachers through court

 

KUPPET Machakos branch led by Executive Secretary Musembi Katuku (Centre) during a press conference in Machakos town on August 26, 2024. [John Muia, Standard]

 The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has asked the Teachers Service Commission to stop using threats and court orders against teachers who are on strike.

Through its Secretary General Francis Atwoli, COTU said instead, TSC and the striking Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers should work towards getting a return-to-work formula amicably to end the biting strike.

Atwoli said COTU will support teachers in whatever endeavor they pursue urging TSC to stop threats and intimidation.

Speaking at Erusilo, Luanda Constituency, Vihiga County during the burial of the brother to KUPPET National Chairman Omboko Milemba, Atwoli said TSC and teachers should sit down and solve the impasse amicably without victimizing teachers for joining the strike.

"TSC is there because of teachers and it must always respond to the teacher's needs and act as a bridge between teachers and the government. If TSC does not do that we will scrap it," said Atwoli.

"There must be a return-to-work formula. Our Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and I agree that TSC must convene a meeting quickly and very soon with teachers so that our tutors can go back to work," said Atwoli

According to him by the fact Education Minister Julius Migosi in his letter has agreed that the government has already heeded to some of the teachers' demands, TSC should move with speed because teachers are willing to report to work even by tomorrow.

Atwoli said teachers are ready for negotiations but TSC has been telling them to go back to work citing the court order.

"That is victimization in itself and I have heard that some people are walking around issuing letters to teachers asking them why they organized a strike, we fought for this strike and it is enshrined in our constitution the right to picket and assemble and to abolish it there must be a referendum,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa who called for dialogue between the TSC and the striking teachers.

Addressing mourners at the funeral of a high school principal in Malava Constituency, Barasa expressed concerns over the prolonged stalemate, emphasising its detrimental impact on students.

"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 present a reasonable offer that can pave the way for negotiations and end the strike, Barasa said those who are preparing for the national exams will suffer the most.