KUPPET Highlights Four Key Demands, Sets Date for Joint Teachers Strike
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has called on the government to address critical issues before the planned teachers’ strike on August 26, 2024, which coincides with the reopening of schools for the third term.
The union’s chairman, Omboko Milemba, emphasized in an interview with Daybreak that the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) must be implemented, including a proposed salary increment ranging from 2.5% to 9%.
The 2021-2025 CBA outlines several crucial aspects affecting teachers, such as salary and allowance adjustments, housing allowance increases, promotions, and workload modifications.
Milemba highlighted that the CBA’s enforcement would ensure teachers receive appropriate compensation after deductions, including those from the Housing Levy, are made.
Milemba reported that teachers’ unions had engaged in prolonged discussions with the government regarding the CBA.
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However, the unions are concerned about the lack of urgency in addressing these issues. Teachers have exhausted all avenues to have their grievances addressed by their employer, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Historical Context and Teachers’ Contributions
Milemba also pointed out that previous presidents had provided financial benefits to teachers, contrasting this with the current situation.
He noted that past presidents, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, had all made significant contributions to teachers’ welfare.
However, he criticized the current administration for seeking to take money from teachers’ pockets, referring specifically to the Housing Levy.
Compensation Through the CBA
After extensive deliberations, an agreement was reached that if the Housing Levy were to proceed, teachers would sign a CBA to ensure they were compensated for any financial losses.
While the CBA offered a smaller increase than initially desired (11% versus the anticipated 30-70%), it included a harmonized house allowance.
Teacher Promotions and Employment
Milemba also addressed the issue of over 130,000 teachers who have been stagnated in their job groups for more than a decade, hindering career progression. He advocated for regular promotions to senior positions, such as deputies and school heads.
Additionally, he urged the government to convert 46,000 contract-based teachers to permanent and pensionable terms and to employ 20,000 more teachers to fill vacancies in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
The government had initially planned to fund these positions through the Finance Bill 2024, but this was repealed following public outcry. President William Ruto later indicated he would seek alternative funding sources.
Employment Confirmation and Reinstatement
KUPPET is demanding that all 46,000 JSS teachers be confirmed as permanent employees. Milemba also noted that the union had requested the reinstatement of teachers dismissed due to their involvement in strikes.
He acknowledged President Ruto’s decision to pardon 751 teachers who were at risk of dismissal for participating in strikes.
“We’re demanding all the 46,000 JSS teachers be confirmed. We pleaded the ones who had been sacked because of their strikes be reinstated,” Milemba said.
Teachers’ Medical Cover
Milemba raised alarms about the TSC’s intention to revoke teachers’ medical cover starting December 1, 2024, citing the inadequate budget that would not support the third phase of their medical contract.
This contract, operating on a three-year cycle, was set to enter its third phase in December, with a projected cost of Ksh.20.6 billion.
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The KUPPET chair stressed the necessity for the government to protect the teachers’ medical cover from budget cuts resulting from President Ruto’s austerity measures.
He emphasized that maintaining this cover is crucial for teachers’ well-being and urged the government to prioritize it despite financial constraints.
By addressing these pressing issues, KUPPET hopes to avoid the impending strike and ensure that teachers’ rights and welfare are adequately protected.
KUPPET Highlights Four Key Demands, Sets Date for Joint Teachers Strike
