Striking Intern Teachers Defy TSC, Say ‘Moguls’ Are Dying from Depression
Junior Secondary School (JSS) Intern teachers have demanded that the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) confirm them into full employment or they will abstain from attending learning institutions.
This resolute stance follows a key ruling from the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), which invalidated their current employment terms.
Boniface Omari, National Spokesperson for JSS, stated that they have previously been misled by promises from the TSC without any follow-up.
He emphasized their determination, asserting that they insist on respect for their rights and demanded explanations from TSC.
“Macharia come out and explain to us why we are losing so many moguls. We are dying because of depression.,” said Boniface Omari, JSS National Spokesperson.
Omari also highlighted their core demands, urging TSC to convert their internships to permanent, pensionable positions and to compensate them for unpaid work.
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Jane Mwikali, a JSS Intern Teacher and a single mother, expressed her distress over the situation, citing financial struggles exacerbated by inadequate compensation. She stressed that the current stipend of Sh17,000 is insufficient to meet her needs, causing her stress and uncertainty.
She further criticized the unequal treatment despite equal workload compared to permanent teachers, stating that they cannot continue working under such conditions and demand fair treatment and remuneration.
The ELRC had issued temporary orders in December, binding intern teachers to their current contracts until further directives on March 7, 2024.
The lawsuit challenging this deployment, brought by The Forum for Good Governance and Human Rights, argued against the constitutionality and educational adequacy of using trained teachers as interns.
Central to the intern teachers’ grievances were the lack of remuneration despite a monthly stipend and the non-renewable nature of their 11-month contracts.
Despite assurances from President William Ruto regarding future employment guarantees after two years of service, TSC CEO Murithi disputed this policy’s legality. Murithi criticized TSC’s handling of contract renewals without official communication.
In Our Other News: TSC Urges Patience on JSS Teachers Pay Issues
Owino Okello, Chairman of JSS Teachers in Nairobi County, announced compliance with the ELRC ruling, declaring that all JSS teachers will refrain from schools. This decision, reached after consultations, underscores their commitment to demands including permanent contracts and compensation.
Mr. Okello warned of continued strikes, making TSC headquarters their “staffroom,” if demands are not met.
With schools reopening for the second term, uncertainty prevails. The JSS teachers’ boycott poses a significant challenge to educational continuity nationwide.
Striking Intern Teachers Defy TSC, Say ‘Moguls’ Are Dying from Depression
