The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Labour and Social Protection Dr Alfred Mutua has once again waded into the teachers’ strike, asking them to embrace dialogue.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have both announced an industrial action on August 26. Additionally, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has announced a seven-day strike notice which could disrupt learning in universities next month.
Given the circumstances, CS Mutua is encouraging the unions to embrace dialogue and give the new ministers some time to review and address the issues effectively.
In a statement released on Friday, August 16, Mutua mentioned that the new CSs are currently being briefed on various issues, adding that he has also been in talks with them to initiate discussions promptly in order to address the concerns raised by the unions.
“The new Cabinet Secretaries are quickly being briefed on various issues, and I have been in discussions with them to engage in dialogue as soon as possible to address the concerns raised by various unions,” said Mutua.
Mutua also expressed his belief that the unions, which understand the current social, political and economic climate in the country, are both patriotic and forward-thinking. He encouraged them to engage in dialogue.
“I am confident that the unions, which represent the interests of workers, are aware of the current economic, social, and political situation in the country. I believe they are patriotic and forward-thinking and therefore urge them to embrace dialogue,” said the Labour CS.
He highlighted that he is in talks with the Teachers Service Commission, KNUT and KUPPET leaders in a bid to getting amicable solution.
“In the spirit of amicable and pragmatic resolution of industrial issues, I have been in talks with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), KNUT, and KUPPET leadership. I am aware that the Ministry of Education and TSC are actively holding internal consultations on the unions’ concerns, and a way forward is forthcoming,” said Mutua.
The CS also mentioned that his ministry is implementing an early warning system to proactively manage potential industrial unrest. This system aims to foster open dialogue and genuine commitments.
He emphasized that go-slows and strikes should be considered only as a last resort.
“My Ministry, as a neutral mediator, is introducing an early warning system to address potential industrial unrest early on, encouraging open dialogue and genuine commitments from everyone involved,” he said…CONTINUE READING>>
