KUPPET Demands Science Teachers‘ Detoxification Allowance and Harmonized House Allowance.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) is pushing for Science Teachers’ Detoxification Allowance.
Ronald Tonui, the KUPPET Assistant Treasurer raised the issue of a science teachers’ allowance, which KUPPET has dubbed a detoxification allowance.
Science teachers, particularly those who handle dangerous chemicals in subjects like chemistry, are exposed to health risks, and KUPPET is pushing for an allowance to compensate them for these dangers.
Many teachers retire with health issues related to the handling of chemicals, and the union believes they should be protected and compensated accordingly.
Additionally, Tonui discussed the need for a harmonized house allowance, pointing out that the current structure unfairly favors teachers in Nairobi.
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He explained that teachers in remote or underserved areas, such as Garissa and Turkana, face significant housing challenges, yet they receive lower allowances.
KUPPET is advocating for an increase in house allowances for teachers in these regions to reflect the high cost of living and difficulty in securing housing.
Tonui called upon union members to contribute additional proposals for the CBA currently under negotiation.
He revealed that KUPPET would also seek the introduction of a detoxification allowance for science teachers who regularly handle dangerous chemicals during practical lessons. He argued that teachers handling chemicals in chemistry deserve compensation for their exposure.
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Tonui made these remarks at the KUPPET Siaya branch Annual General Meeting in Siaya town. He noted that the decision by their sister union, KNUT, to abstain from the nationwide teachers’ strike had actually strengthened KUPPET.
He described the decision as a blessing in disguise, as it allowed KUPPET to demonstrate its ability to lead a strong nationwide strike without KNUT’s participation.
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