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We have not called off the teachers strike: Sossion

The KNUT boss has now urged the teachers to only take instructions from the union and stay put until such a time when they will be given further instructions by the union. Photo/FILE.

The KNUT boss has now urged the teachers to only take instructions from the union and stay put until such a time when they will be given further instructions by the union. Photo/FILE.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 27 – Teachers have been told not to report to work on Monday as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) insists that the strike is still on despite, a directive by the government that all schools should be opened.

The Union’s Secretary General Wilson Sossion indicated that the strike is legal and will not be called off for reconciliatory talks until their laid down conditions are met.

Speaking to Capital FM News on Sunday, Sossion pointed out that in addition to withdrawing all the cases against teachers, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) must not appeal the decision by the Employment and Labour Relations Court.

“Teachers are still on strike and will not go to school until the conditions we set are met. We will then hold a National Executive Council meeting where we will decide on the way forward.” he said.

The government had announced on Friday that all public schools will reopen on Monday, following a court order issued Thursday calling for the suspension of the teachers strike for 90 days to allow negotiations between parties involved.

“We have been subjected to lies for far too long and what the courts have given you is your right and you must defend it and no amount of threats will stop teachers from taking any decisive action. They will do so because that is the right granted to them in the constitution,” he said.

Even though, Justice Nelson Abuodha directed that teachers should resume teaching immediately for the sake of children, he noted that the ongoing strike is legal.

Sossion on Sunday said that KNUT was anxious to comply with every aspect of Justice Abuodha’s orders and sought an immediate response from TSC on the matter.

The KNUT boss has now urged the teachers to only take instructions from the union and stay put until such a time when they will be given further instructions by the union.

He stressed the need for a lasting solution to the pay dispute so as to create industrial peace saying that is the only way teachers would resume duty with commitment and motivation.

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He said the union had already written to the TSC, clearly stating the conditions for talks to end the strike, adding that unless the same is adhered to, the efforts for conciliation would be in jeopardy.

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