Atwoli Defends Teachers Defying Court Order, Criticizes TSC's Approach During Ongoing Strike

By Robert Mutasi 

The General Secretary of the Union of Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli has defended the teachers who have chosen to defy the court order asking them to return to work.

Atwoli criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for repeatedly using court orders to pressure teachers during the ongoing strike.

Speaking to press in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 28,2024, Atwoli argued that the court order, which the TSC obtained to force teachers to return to classrooms, would have been more effective if it had been issued immediately after the strike notice was issued.

He suggested that the timing of the order was not considered and failed to address the underlying issues that led to the strike in the first place.

"The talks are over, so if they don't want to enter into the return to work formula, there is only one way, that is, the strike should continue," Atwoli said.

Atwoli accused the TSC of repeatedly using court orders as a tactic to intimidate and intimidate teachers, instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue.

He emphasized that the legal measures are baseless and ineffective, especially where the government has not responded properly to the demands of the teachers.

Using a metaphor, Atwoli compared the situation to dealing with an arsonist: "For example, an arsonist has warned you that he will burn your house, do you give him a court order when the house burns or before that?" " he questioned, highlighting what he sees as TSC's reactive rather than proactive approach.

Atwoli called on the TSC and the government to pay attention to the teachers' concerns and work on a solution that will end the strike.

He stressed that the continuation of the strike is inevitable if the authorities fail to cooperate with the teachers' unions in good faith.

As the conflict between teachers and TSC continues, the situation remains tense, with no clear solution in sight.