Stay away from work until pay rise is effected, Trade Union Congress of Kenya tells teachers

Trade Union Congress of Kenya Chair Charles Mukwaya has faulted TSC over claims that there is no money to pay teachers, yet the government has on several occasions bailed out struggling firms in the country. (Photo: File/Standard)

Kenya: The Trade Union Congress of Kenya Tuesday said it fully supported teachers on the quest to ensure their employer effects the 50-60 pc pay rise awarded by the court.

TUC-Ke, an umbrella body for teachers and civil servants' unions, asked teachers to stay away from work until the Teachers Service Commission honours the court ruling.

“I ask teachers to go check their bank accounts and if the money has not been deposited, they should not go to work,” said TUC-Ke Chair Charles Mukwaya while addressing the press at Knut headquarters.

“Knut and Kuppet should know that TUC-Ke is behind them to ensure teachers get all their dues,” he added.

The trade unions body asked the government to lead by example and respect the rule of law, saying that plot to go against the courts' directive was contrary to the Constitution.

Teachers in most parts of the country on Tuesday boycotted classes as the tussle between TSC and unions over the pay increment raged on.

A spot check in all the counties revealed that only a few teachers had reported to work on Tuesday, while in some schools, pupils who arrived were turned away as no activity was ongoing.

Many secondary schools were set to reopen on Tuesday, leaving many parents in a dilemma on whether to send their sons and daughters to school or not.

Teachers’ unions, Knut and Kuppet, had called for a strike to coincide with schools' opening if the increased pay was not deposited in their accounts by August 31, midnight.