TSC Secures Sh13.5 Billion for Teachers’ Salary
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) moved closer to reaching an agreement with teachers unions after receiving Sh13.5 billion to properly implement the salary increase. However, the unions did not call off the strike, citing unresolved difficulties.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) have confirmed that the strike scheduled for August 26 is still ongoing.
Following a meeting with the unions, TSC agreed to fully execute the second phase of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). TSC confirmed that it was granted the entire budget allocation for the 2021-2025 CBA.
As a result, teachers would receive all of their benefits and arrears for July in their August payslips.
It was also revealed that the payroll would be completed on Wednesday, allowing teachers to get their paychecks.
However, indications that schools may open were obvious when both unions stated that they will convene their senior decision-making bodies this week to advise them on the outcome of the Wednesday meeting.
Although TSC and unions held separate media briefings, sources from the meeting revealed that the unions will cancel the strike.
TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia stated that the unions have recognized the TSC’s position and decided to consult their internal organs before withdrawing the strike notice. She thanked the unions for engaging the Commission to ensure that learning in schools is not disrupted during the Third Term, 2024.
Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misori stated warned that if their demands are not met, teachers will not return to work when schools reopen next week.
Call off the strike
Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu stated that, while the panel wants unions to call off the strike, there is no evidence to support this.
“They wanted us to call off the strike over one problem, but we had five important issues to solve,” he explained.
Dr Macharia, on the other hand, stated that the two parties had agreed to call off the strike in exchange for complete CBA compliance.
Macharia said the issue of delayed implementation was due to financial cuts. However, the government must search for ways to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
The TSC boss stated that the unions’ concerns had been satisfactorily handled urging teachers to report to their stations on Monday.
The Teachers Service Commission also stated that it has promoted 51,232 teachers through competitive promotions and an extra 20,000 annually through the common cadre.
According to a joint statement issued by the unions, TSC pleaded with them to end the strike after the CBA was implemented.
Other issues that the trade unions indicated needed to be addressed included a review of the Career Progression Guidelines and the repayment of third-party deductions.
The unions also want concerns with the medical program rectified so that members can use public and private institutions.
Misori stated that the unions also requested clarity on the fate of 46,000 intern teachers who had yet to be converted to permanent and pensionable positions. Unfortunately, he claims the Commissioners provided absolutely nothing substantial in five of the six irreducible requests we stated,” according to the joint statement.
TSC Secures Sh13.5 Billion for Teachers’ Salary
