Union Supports Teachers’ Strike .
Union Supports Teachers’ Strike . Union Supports Teachers’ Strike: Calls for Government Intervention.
Introduction
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) threw its support behind the ongoing strike of intern teachers . The union has urged the government to allocate funds to hire tutors.
Threat to Education Amidst School Closures
The strike, jeopardizing the education of over 2.5 million Grade 8 and 9 students in junior secondary schools (JSS), persists amidst prolonged school closures due to widespread flooding across the nation.
Learning Halted as Teachers Protest
Learning has been disrupted for the second consecutive day in all JSS classes as teachers voice their grievances, stated Kuppet secretary general Akello Misori.
Calls for Government Intervention
In correspondence to Parliament, the National Treasury, and the Teachers Service Commission, Misori urged for intervention to facilitate the resumption of learning and teaching.
Negotiation for Employment Regularization
Misori emphasized the need for the Teachers Service Commission to negotiate within the legal framework to address teachers’ grievances and regularize the employment terms of 46,000 intern teachers, most of whom work in JSS.
Seeking Amicable Resolution
The union has requested a sit-down meeting with the employer (TSC) to resolve the standoff in an amicable manner.
Urgent Funds Allocation
In a separate letter to the Treasury, the union called for the immediate allocation of funds to employ interns on permanent terms.
Legal Rulings Support Strike
Owino Okello, chairman of intern teachers in Nairobi, affirmed their commitment to the strike, citing a court ruling that nullified the internship status for trained, registered, and licensed teachers.
In essence, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) stands firmly behind the ongoing strike of intern teachers, advocating for government intervention and negotiations to address the pressing issues at hand. The issues that were raised by Intern teachers should be addressed immediately to avoid further escalation.
