The teachers’ employer, TSC, has been ordered to amicably look for a solution to the pay rise dispute between the teachers’ union and TSC.
Schools are closing this week for the long holiday and candidates are starting there examinations for the academic year 2021.
It has not been an easy ride for tutors considering the terms dates were so much compressed while they push for better terms of service, as indicated in their Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
Teachers have waited for long enough the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to fully implement the CBA, which they sign every five years.
The teachers unions are pushing for review of the non monetary CBA which was signed last year were the union officials promised members that a review on the basic pay would be undertaken after TSC is given a go-ahead by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
According to the latest information, the the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) seek for a 30 to 70 per cent increase on basic pay and a review of some allowances for teachers.
In January, the union urged TSC to re-open discussions for involved parties to return to the negotiating table for the CBA within 21 days, failing to which they would seek other avenues to address their grievances including a strike.
The union issued a ultimatum 21-day notice which lapsed last week and the union threatened to call a strike just about the time national examinations are to begin.
However, last weekend, the union called off their intention to strike to allow a smooth examination process but asked the government to guarantee the security of teachers during supervision and invigilation.
It is, therefore, important for TSC and the unions to pursue an amicable solution to their problems early enough, because constant threats and industrial action are detrimental to learning.
