The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) moved closer to finalizing an agreement with teachers’ unions after receiving KSh 10.5 billion to fully implement a pay increase. This development could potentially resolve the ongoing disputes and prevent the planned teachers’ strike.
The additional funds are expected to facilitate the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), addressing key concerns such as salary adjustments and promotions. Further negotiations between the TSC and the unions are anticipated as they work towards a final deal.
Despite the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) receiving the KSh 10.5 billion needed to fully implement the second phase of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have not yet committed to calling off the planned strike. The unions cited unresolved issues as their reason for maintaining the strike scheduled for August 26.
Following a lengthy meeting, the unions agreed to the proposal for implementing the CBA phase, and the TSC confirmed the budgetary allocation. Teachers are expected to receive their full benefits and arrears for July in their August payslips. The payroll processing was completed on Wednesday, ensuring that teachers would receive their salaries as scheduled.
There are indications that schools might reopen despite the planned strike. Both KNUT and KUPPET announced they would consult their top decision-making bodies this week to review the outcomes of the recent meeting with the TSC. Although the unions held separate media briefings, sources present at the meeting suggested that the union organs may decide to call off the strike. This potential decision could lead to schools resuming normal operations soon.
TSC Chief Executive Nancy Macharia expressed appreciation to the unions for their engagement and indicated that the unions would consult their internal organs to potentially withdraw the strike notice, aiming to avoid disruption of the Third Term, 2024 school activities.
On the other hand, KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori emphasized that the full implementation of the CBA and inclusion of salary arrears for July and August in teachers’ salaries are non-negotiable. Misori warned that any failure to meet these demands would be unacceptable.
Akelo Misori warned that teachers might not report to work when schools reopen next week if their demands are not met. He reiterated the necessity for KSh 13.3 billion to fully implement the CBA, highlighting that this was made clear during the budget-making process.
Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu expressed skepticism about calling off the strike, citing that although the TSC urged the unions to do so, there were still unresolved issues. Oyuu noted that the unions had five critical issues that needed addressing, and the TSC’s promise to handle some of these administratively was not sufficient to resolve the situation fully.
Collins Oyuu emphasized that the decision to call off the strike rests with the unions’ high organs, not the union leaders alone. He stressed that the unions would convene to resolve the matter comprehensively and reiterated that they could only act through their designated decision-making bodies.
In contrast, Dr. Nancy Macharia stated that both sides had agreed to consider calling off the strike contingent on the full implementation of the CBA. This agreement hinges on whether the unions’ demands for complete CBA implementation and inclusion of salary arrears are met.
Dr. Nancy Macharia explained that the delay in implementing the CBA was due to budget cuts, but emphasized that the government needs to find solutions to ensure smooth execution. She insisted that the issues raised by the unions have been adequately addressed and encouraged teachers to report to their stations on Monday.
Macharia also noted that third-party deductions have been up to date, and teachers can now access both public and private health facilities under their medical scheme.
Dr. Macharia also highlighted that the government has allocated resources for the retooling of teachers to support the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Additionally, she mentioned that 51,232 teachers have been promoted through competitive promotions, with a further 20,000 teachers set to be promoted annually under the common cadre system.
The unions’ joint statement revealed that the TSC requested them to call off the strike, contingent on the implementation of the CBA. This plea underscores the ongoing negotiations and efforts to resolve the strike issue.
The joint statement from the unions clarified that the decision to call off the strike rests with the National Governing Council of KUPPET and the National Executive Council of KNUT. The unions committed to convening these bodies once they receive a concrete response from the TSC regarding the resolution of the five outstanding issues.
These unresolved issues include a review of the Career Progression Guidelines, remittance of third-party deductions, and improvements to the medical scheme to ensure access to both public and private hospitals.
Additionally, the unions are seeking clarity on the status of 46,000 intern teachers who have not yet been converted to permanent and pensionable terms. Misori criticized the TSC for failing to adequately address these key concerns, stating that the Commission has not provided tangible solutions for most of the unions’ demands.
