KNUT Urges Salary Review, Sets 14-Day Ultimatum for Talks with TSC
Sunday, July 9, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) issued a 14-day ultimatum. To the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) demanding a salary review for its members.
Collins Oyuu, secretary-general of the KNUT, told the press that the high cost of living has placed teachers in a dire financial situation. He stated that teachers’ current salaries do not reflect the labor they perform.
Therefore, the SG demanded a salary increase for all teachers and a review of other benefits, including accommodation allowances and medical coverage.
“The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) prohibited monetary negotiations in 2021. However, now that the SRC has lifted its ban on negotiations, we have written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to bring us to the table so that we can assess our current salaries,” Oyuu said.
The SG noted that KNUT members were impacted by the current state of the economy, particularly the astronomical inflation rate of 8%.
The non-monetary Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that we signed in 2021 must be reviewed. “We must not forget how dire the economic situation is in this country,” he demanded.
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To assist them in coping with the rising cost of living, he also suggested that teachers should be compensated based on a non-monetary CBA that reflects current financial needs.
The request for a salary evaluation arose as a result of the government’s financial constraints. However, Oyuu noted that the government should prioritize the welfare of teachers, as they are the education system’s backbone.
The deadline for TSC to convene discussions expires on July 25 after 14 days. KNUT stated that if TSC does not respond by the deadline, it will take additional action, including industrial action.
TSC had not responded to KNUT’s requests as of yet. On Thursday, July 6, the commission stated that it was committed to ensuring that instructors are adequately compensated.
The demand for a compensation increase is the most recent in a string of protests by Kenyan teachers.
Teachers have conducted strikes and demonstrations in recent years over a variety of issues, including salaries, working conditions, and the lack of promotion opportunities.
The government’s response to the teacher demonstrations at the time was that it was committed to addressing their concerns. The government stated, however, that it cannot afford to meet all union demands.
KNUT Urges Salary Review, Sets 14-Day Ultimatum for Talks with TSC
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