TSC, Unions Meeting Flop Given 7 Days To Pay Salary Increment Or Face Strike

TSC, Unions Meeting Flop Given 7 Days To Pay Salary Increment Or Face Strike

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) held a joint press conference in Nairobi on August 7, after failing to reach an agreement with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The unions issued a strike threat, demanding the implementation of the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The unions insisted that TSC must pay the second phase of the CBA benefits in the August salaries or face industrial action. They have written to the Commission with several demands, expecting them to be met within seven days.

If not, they will initiate a nationwide strike starting August 26, coinciding with the opening of schools for the third term. This strike could disrupt preparations for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).

The new Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, approved by the National Assembly, will face this challenge upon assuming office.

Other demands include converting intern teachers to permanent terms, employing an additional 20,000 teachers, and promoting 130,000 teachers. The unions also want TSC to pay firms providing teachers’ medical cover and commit to negotiating a new CBA as the current one expires next year.

Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu stated, “We demand that the TSC discharge its legal responsibilities and immediately remit the teachers’ emoluments for July 2024, including basic salaries and allowances, as provided under the CBAs.”

Kuppet Secretary-General Akelo Misori emphasized that their demands are “non-negotiable,” referencing agreements filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court last year.

The TSC requires Sh13.5 billion to pay teachers the second and final phase of the CBA signed in August last year, which was not included in their July salaries.

This unified stance contrasts with previous scenarios where the unions addressed member issues separately. Knut primarily represents primary school teachers, while Kuppet has members in secondary schools and other post-primary institutions.

Knut’s Collins Oyuu noted that a planned meeting with the TSC on Tuesday did not happen, as the commission postponed it for “higher-level consultations.”

Regarding teacher promotions, Oyuu stated that many teachers shortlisted and interviewed for new grades in 2023 did not receive appointments due to budget constraints. He also accused TSC of deducting National Social Security Fund contributions without remitting them.

For the new CBA, the unions have proposed allowances for post-graduate qualifications, per diems for games teachers, risk allowances for science teachers, and special duty and acting allowances for teachers not substantially appointed.

TSC, Unions Meeting Flop Given 7 Days To Pay Salary Increment Or Face Strike