Cotu backs teachers’ bid to hold strike

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Mr Atwoli argued that teachers formed a fundamental part of the country’s economy and development since they shaped and trained future leaders, and failing to pay their dues was unjustified..

What you need to know:

  • Mr Atwoli argued that teachers formed a fundamental part of the country’s economy and development since they shaped and trained future leaders, and failing to pay their dues was unjustified.
  • This follows Knut’s letter to Kenya Teachers Service Commission (TSC) informing the commission of the forthcoming strike over pay the teachers say has been pending for 15 years.
  • Knut is depending on an agreement that was reached between the government and teachers five years ago in which teachers were promised higher salaries and allowances over a 10-year period.

The umbrella workers union has thrown its weight behind the planned teachers’ strike.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions Kenya (Cotu) secretary-general Francis Atwoli vowed to support the teachers strike saying he supported the teachers’ decision to down their tools even though the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) is not an affiliate of Cotu.

Mr Atwoli argued that teachers formed a fundamental part of the country’s economy and development since they shaped and trained future leaders, and failing to pay their dues was unjustified.

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Affect pupils

He urged the government to conduct negotiations with Knut starting today and find a common ground to avoid the oncoming teachers strike that will affect thousands of pupils. (READ: KNUT issues TSC with strike notice)

“Cotu appeals to the government to sit down and dialogue with Knut and come up with an amicable solution as soon as possible,” said Mr Atwoli.

This follows Knut’s letter to Kenya Teachers Service Commission (TSC) informing the commission of the forthcoming strike over pay the teachers say has been pending for 15 years.

Knut is depending on an agreement that was reached between the government and teachers five years ago in which teachers were promised higher salaries and allowances over a 10-year period.

Mr Atwoli was speaking when he opened a five-day conference of the African Trade Union update on HIV. He said Article 41 allows collective bargaining.

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