Teachers Unions Table 6 Demands That TSC Must Meet
The Teachers Unions (KUPPET and KNUT) tabled 6 demands before TSC to be implemented failure to which they will call for a nationwide strike.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has between now and next week to address the six resolutions.
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 six demands include:
1. The full implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
2. The conversion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to new employment status.
3. 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.
“With effect from July 1, the unions demand that all present intern teachers be immediately confirmed to permanent and pensionable contracts.
4. 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, “KNUT and KUPPET 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.
5. 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.
6. They also demanded that TSC stop deducting NSSF contributions from teachers’ salaries without remitting the same to the Fund.
