Issuing threats will not resolve teachers’ strike

 

 

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  By Peter Kamuri 
  Teachers in public schools have heeded to the call of their unions to down chalk and duster and agitate for higher pay.
  

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  the Government’s failure to factor in their allowances in the next financial year’s Budget.

  The strike called by the Kenya National Union of Teachers ( Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers ( Kuppet) has crippled learning in public schools in the country.
  This is not the first time that teachers are going on strike to push for better pay. Last year, they downed their tools in a strike that lasted almost a month. The stalemate was resolved after their salaries were harmonised with those of other civil servants.
  Industrial action has been used the world over by workers to express their grievances. Our Constitution allows peaceful demonstrations and picketing as a way of presenting petitions.
  Strikes are usually called after negotiations between a trade union and employer fail.
  Workers may express their displeasure by boycotting work, staging a go-slow or locking out their colleagues from offices. However, members of a trade union are usually free to choose whether or not to take part in industrial action.
  This means a union cannot take disciplinary measures against those who fail to participate. However, most workers fear being reprimanded by their colleagues and often tag along during protests.
  Career experts say a strike should be called as a last resort as it puts employees at risk of losing wages or their employment.
  They also lead to reduced productivity, job dissatisfaction and anxiety at the workplace.
  Analysts had last week asked both teachers and the Government to exhaust all negotiation avenues before employees are called upon to take industrial action.
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