KNUT: Why We Oppose TSC’s Proposed Law Changes
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno has explained the reasons behind the disagreement between teachers’ unions and their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), following a proposal to amend the TSC Act.
Otieno, in an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, criticized the proposed amendments, arguing that they aim to grant the TSC excessive control over teachers and stifle their voices.
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He emphasized that the proposed changes would significantly impact teachers and the employer relationship, limiting teachers’ autonomy and subjecting them to unfair disciplinary measures based on insufficient evidence.
Additionally, Otieno highlighted TSC’s attempts to collaborate with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to determine teachers’ salaries, effectively eliminating teachers’ bargaining power.
In response to the escalating conflict, Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) Nabii Nabwera warned of potential complications if the issue is not resolved promptly and peacefully. He attributed the conflict to personal disputes, which are now influencing the management of the education sector, potentially leading to further challenges.
These tensions arise amidst a dispute between KNUT, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the TSC regarding proposed legislative changes.
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Recently, TSC organized a public participation meeting on the proposed amendments, which KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyoo boycotted, citing the punitive nature of the proposed changes towards teachers.
Similarly, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori criticized TSC’s quest for increased authority instead of addressing fundamental issues within the education sector.
He rebuked TSC’s authoritative approach, reminding them of their origin under the Constitution and asserting that their existence is owed to the teachers themselves. As a result, KUPPET opted not to participate in the meeting, emphasizing their refusal to be intimidated any further.
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KNUT: Why We Oppose TSC’s Proposed Law Changes
