Kuppet threatens to call strike over union dues

Kuppet Secretary-General Akello Misori (left) and the union's chairman Julius Korir during a press briefing at the union's offices in Nairobi on May 22, 2018 PHOTO | ANTHONY OMUYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Kuppet terms the delay in remitting teachers' dues as illegal and aimed at undermining operations of the union.
  • Secretary-General Akello Misori on Tuesday said that since April, the TSC has not remitted members’ dues to the union
  • Mr Misori also said TSC has not been remitting teachers’ bank loans, putting the members at risk of blacklisting by the Credit Reference Bureau.

The Kenya Union of Post- Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has threatened to paralyse learning in secondary schools, accusing the teachers employer of failing to remit union dues.

Kuppet issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the National Treasury, terming the delay illegal and aimed at undermining operations of the union.

Secretary-General Akello Misori on Tuesday said that since April, the TSC has not remitted members’ dues to the union, a move that could paralyse operations of the union.

TEACHERS' SALARIES

“It is illegal and unconstitutional for the employer to fail to remit our members’ contributions in time yet the funds have been deducted from teachers’ salaries,” said Mr Misori at the Kuppet offices.

 The secretary-general said that due to the non-remittance, the union has not been able to pay staff salaries.

The union is demanding Sh35 million.

According to the TSC, the National Treasury is yet to release the funds to them and the money will be remitted once they receive it. 

Mr Misori also said TSC has not been remitting teachers’ bank loans, putting the members at risk of blacklisting by the Credit Reference Bureau.

GET CLEARANCE

“Legally, deductions must be remitted by the employer within 10 days of salary payment, its now 22 says overdue and we fear a similar incident may happen next month if action is not taken,” he said.

Kuppet also hit hard on the union for requiring head teachers, their deputies and heads of department and those seeking for similar positions to get clearance from the Higher education Loans Board, Criminal Investigation Department and Ethic and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Mr Misori criticised the teacher’s employer of coming up with policies without consulting major stakeholders. He said that this could cripple the teaching sector in the near future.

“We are saddened that most of our teachers are not in school because they running from one officer to another seeking clearance instead of being in class teaching students,” he said.

Kuppet acting chairman Julius Kipkorir said the TSC must also engage teachers on the issue of study leave.