Teachers To Down Tools Over Unresolved Issues
The Teachers Unions (KUPPET and KNUT) have threatened to call for a nationwide strike for teachers if the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) fails to implement six resolutions they demand to be addressed.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu told the media on Wednesday that if their demands are not fulfilled, they would cease operations on August 26, 2024.
“The following six issues are causing unrest among our members. KNUT and KUPPET have joined forces to demand the immediate resolution of these issues,” said Oyuu.
The full implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the conversion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to new employment status, and the immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms with the remittance of their full salaries for the month are the six issues that the two unions demand TSC implement within seven days.
Teachers To Down Tools Over Unresolved Issues
“With effect from July 1, the unions demand that all present intern teachers be immediately confirmed to permanent and pensionable contracts.
“The unions demand the remittance of their full salaries for the month, which are currently arrears, and the immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms effective July 1, 2024,” according to Oyuu.
In addition, the unions held TSC accountable for cutting funding for the teachers’ health plan for the current fiscal year.
According to KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori, “the unions are concerned about the reduction in the current Appropriations Act of the teachers’ medical cover by Ksh.11,899,413,833, which will cut the benefits to teachers by 50%.”
Additionally, in accordance with the 2021–2025 CBA, the two unions urge the TSC to take into account promoting 130,000 inactive teachers and putting in place teacher health benefits.
“The unions demand that the Commission immediately confirm that, within this fiscal year, it will advance 130,000 teachers who have stagnated in their existing work grades.
Within this fiscal year, these teachers were already interviewed and placed on a shortlist for new grades, according to Oyuu.
Teachers To Down Tools Over Unresolved Issues
The unions also requested in their two-page statement that TSC commit to a new CBA that would include risk allowances for science teachers, postgraduate allowances, per diems for game teachers, and special duty and acting allowances for teachers who are not substantially appointed.
They also demanded that TSC stop deducting NSSF contributions from teachers’ salaries without remitting the same to the Fund.
