KNUT, KUPPET Issue Strike Notice, Demand TSC Action on Six Unresolved Issues
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have issued a stern warning to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
They are prepared to initiate a nationwide teachers’ strike on August 26, 2024, if six key resolutions are not addressed promptly by the TSC.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu announced that the two unions have united to demand immediate action on pressing issues affecting their members.
He emphasized the need for the TSC to resolve six specific concerns causing unrest among teachers.
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Six Key Demands
The unions outlined their demands, which they expect the TSC to implement within a week. These include:
- Full Implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The unions stress that the CBA should be honored in full, ensuring all agreed-upon terms are met.
- Conversion of Junior Secondary School (JSS) Teachers: They demand that JSS teachers be converted to a new employment status, recognizing their contributions.
- Confirmation of Intern Teachers: The unions insist on the immediate confirmation of all current intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, retroactive to July 1, 2024. They also demand the payment of full salaries for these teachers, highlighting that these are now arrears.
- Teacher Promotions: The unions are calling for the promotion of 130,000 teachers who have been stagnated in their current job grades. These teachers have already been shortlisted and interviewed for new positions within the financial year.
- Teachers’ Medical Scheme: The unions express concern over the reduction in funding for the teachers’ medical scheme in the current financial year, amounting to Ksh.11,899,413,833. This cut is expected to reduce benefits for teachers by 50%.
- Deductions and Allowances: The unions demand that the TSC stop deducting NSSF contributions from teachers’ salaries without remitting them to the fund. They also call for a new CBA that includes risk allowances for science teachers, postgraduate allowances, per diems for games teachers, and special duty and acting allowances for teachers not substantially appointed.
Medical Scheme Concerns
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori expressed alarm over the significant reduction in appropriations for the teachers’ medical scheme. He explained that this decrease in funding would result in a 50% cut in benefits for teachers, affecting their healthcare access.
The unions are urging the TSC to promote teachers who have been stagnated in their current roles and to implement the teachers’ medical cover in accordance with the 2021-2025 CBA.
They also seek confirmation from the Commission regarding the promotion of 130,000 teachers, emphasizing the urgency of these promotions within the current financial year.
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Conclusion
In a detailed two-page statement, the unions outlined their demands and called for immediate action from the TSC. They are advocating for fair treatment and recognition of teachers’ efforts through proper compensation, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
The unions are steadfast in their resolve and are prepared to take drastic measures if their demands are not met.
KNUT, KUPPET Issue Strike Notice, Demand TSC Action on Six Unresolved Issues
