JSS Teachers Strike: KUPPET Appeals for Parliamentary Intervention
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has pleaded with Parliament to step in and put an end to the nationwide protests organized by junior secondary school (JSS) teachers.
In letters directed to the National Assembly, the National Treasury, and the commission, KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori highlighted the disruptive impact of these protests on the Seven and Eight grades, emphasizing the necessity of a resolution.
Kuppet been supporting the JSS teachers’ demand for permanent and pensionable employment.
Misori stressed the importance of regularizing the employment terms of the approximately 46,000 contract teachers, a significant portion of whom work in JSS.
The demand for permanent employment stems from a recent judgment by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which deemed the hiring of teachers on contract as flawed.
Despite the court’s decision to postpone the implementation of its order until August 1, Misori emphasized that the court’s stance aligns with the teachers’ demands.
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Financial Strain and TSC’s Response
The disparity in pay between contract teachers and their counterparts on permanent terms has exacerbated the situation. While interns in primary schools receive a monthly stipend of Sh15,000, JSS interns are granted Sh20,000, albeit subject to taxation.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced plans to transition teachers who have completed two years of service to permanent and pensionable terms, yet Misori believes that the TSC’s appeal against the court’s judgment is futile.
Misori called upon the Treasury to allocate resources to facilitate the transition of contract teachers to permanent employment, expressing KUPPET’s willingness to collaborate with government bodies to resolve the issue lawfully.
Emphasizing the importance of dialogue, Misori urged the TSC to engage in discussions within seven days to find immediate solutions and a return-to-work formula for the teachers.
TSC’s Stance and Teachers’ Response
On the other hand, the TSC reiterated the internship program’s objective of providing practical experience to aspiring teachers.
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Chairman Jamleck Muturi John urged the interns to adhere to the court order and return to school.
However, JSS teachers, represented by Chairman Owino Okello, declared their intention to comply with the court ruling by remaining out of school until their demands are met.
JSS Teachers Strike: KUPPET Appeals for Parliamentary Intervention
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