Rescind all transfer, appraisal circulars, Sossion tells TSC

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) on Thursday demanded the reversal of all circulars on transfer and appraisal of tutors with immediate effect.

Knut secretary-general Wilson Sossion said the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been distorting information on their August 23 consultative meeting.

APPRAISAL

"It is unfortunate that TSC has been sending out letters distorting the outcome of our meeting. We had demanded the withdrawal of all circulars on teacher transfers, appraisal and development,” Mr Sossion said.

The Knut boss condemned TSC for issuing show cause letters to teachers in Masaba, Nyamira County, because of their participation in union activities, demanding the withdrawal of the letters immediately.

In letters signed by Ms Rita Wahome on behalf of TSC boss Nancy Macharia, the tutors were told to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for burning appraisal forms on August 29, 2018.

"It is against the constitution for the employer to curtail teachers from attending union general meetings," Mr Sossion said.

He said TSC had gone ahead to transfer union leaders, which has paralysed activities at branch level.

WILSON SOSSION

Mr Sossion said more than 130 union officials have been transferred so far.

During their meetings with TSC, he said, they agreed to form a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) evaluation committee which will run until June 30, 2021, when the current CBA expires.

He said they will raise the issues during the planned meeting between Knut and TSC officials from September 30.

"The five-day retreat is expected to address the delayed teacher promotion and all the issues we have raised," he said.

He said it was dishonest for TSC to argue that they never agreed on teachers’ promotion.

WYCLIFFE OMUCHEYI

"The employer cannot come up with circulars which undermine the teachers code of conduct and is illegal," he said.

Knut chairman Wycliffe Etole Omucheyi asked TSC to stop personalising issues by attacking Mr Sossion and treasurer John Matiang’i.

"The officials speak on behalf of the union and no one should attack them,” Mr Omucheyi said.

Mr Sossion threatened to sue TSC if it continues tainting their names.

He said the teachers strike is only suspended, and should the retreat not bring solutions, they will ask tutors to down their tools.

The Knut officials reiterated that teachers will not participate in appraisals, and will not hesitate to destroy the ‘illegal’ documents.