The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has asked the Teachers Service Commission to refrain from threats and court orders against striking teachers.
COTU, through its Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has urged the TSC and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers to work together to reach an amicable return-to-work agreement to end the bitter strike.
Atwoli said the COTU will support the teachers in all endeavors they undertake and urged the TSC to stop the threats and intimidation.
Atwoli, speaking during the burial of the brother of the National Chairman of KUPPET, Omboko Milemba, in Erusilo, Luanda Constituency, Vihiga County, said the TSC and the teachers should sit down and resolve the conflict amicably instead of victimizing the teachers for join the strike. . Francis Atwoli stressed that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) exists for teachers and should always address their concerns by serving as an intermediary between teachers and government. Francis Atwoli issued a warning, saying failure to fulfill his role will result in the removal of the TSC.
“TSC exists because of the teachers and it must always meet the needs of the teachers and serve as a bridge between the teachers and the government. If TSC does not do that, we will eliminate it,” said Atwoli.
Atwoli also emphasized the importance of a back to work package and he and Labor Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua agreed that the TSC should immediately hold a meeting with teachers to help them return to work.
According to him, although the Minister of Education Julius Migosi admitted in his letter that the government has already answered some of the teachers’ questions, the TSC must respond quickly as the teachers are ready to report to work tomorrow.
Atwoli said the teachers are ready to negotiate, but the TSC is asking them to return to work, citing the court order.
Some have sent letters to teachers, asking them about organizing the strike, according to Atwoli. He emphasized that this behavior constitutes intimidation, saying that the constitution guarantees the right to strike.
He also said that any attempt to eliminate this privilege would require a referendum. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa made his comments, calling for a discussion between the TSC and the striking teachers.
Addressing mourners at the funeral of a secondary school principal in Malava constituency, Barasa expressed concern over the prolonged blockade and its negative impact on children.
“The battle for supremacy between the Teachers Service Commission and teachers is not just a power struggle, it is an issue that affects the future of our children,” Barasa said.
While urging the TSC to make a realistic offer that would allow negotiations and end the strike, Barasa said those studying for national exams would be the most affected.
