Government and Policy

TSC’s New CBA And December Salary Pay Rise As It Welcomes KNUT And KUPPET Proposals

BY Soko Directory Team · November 25, 2024 04:11 pm

KEY POINTS

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is on the brink of significant negotiations, signaling a potential shift in how Kenya’s educators are compensated. By inviting both the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to the table, TSC has set the stage for a review of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This move is seen as a response to growing dissatisfaction among teachers, who have faced financial challenges due to increased statutory deductions and new taxes. With the meeting scheduled for December, there’s a wave of cautious optimism that teachers will finally receive the monetary adjustments they have long awaited.

The 2021 CBA, which lacked a salary increase component, has been a point of contention for educators who feel their compensation no longer matches the demands of the job. With the rising cost of living, KNUT and KUPPET have been vocal about the need for substantial salary adjustments. KNUT, in particular, is calling for a 60% pay hike, while KUPPET is seeking a 42% increase. These demands underscore the unions’ view that the existing remuneration fails to account for the financial pressures teachers face, from statutory housing levies to the costs associated with everyday living.

In an attempt to address these concerns, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recently announced a 7% to 10% increment, backdated to 1st July. While this move offered some relief, it was far from satisfactory in the eyes of many educators. KNUT, representing a significant portion of the teaching workforce, dismissed the increase as insufficient, calling it a token gesture rather than a meaningful resolution. This criticism highlights the underlying tension between TSC and the unions, making the upcoming negotiations critical for both parties.

A key aspect of these discussions will center around allowances, a long-standing issue in teacher compensation. Earlier in the year, TSC proposed a Sh2 billion package for allowances, only to have the amount slashed to Sh1 billion by the National Treasury. This reduction has fueled frustration among educators, who argue that without appropriate allowances, their ability to maintain a stable financial base remains compromised. It’s a sentiment that was echoed by KNUT’s Secretary General, Collins Oyuu, who emphasized that underpaid teachers are unlikely to deliver quality education, affecting the overall standards in Kenyan schools.

With the December meeting on the horizon, teachers are closely watching for signs that the government will take their demands seriously. An agreement that includes substantial salary and allowance adjustments could be the catalyst for restoring trust between educators and the TSC. There’s also hope that a successful negotiation would not only improve teachers’ morale but also set a precedent for future CBAs, ensuring that education professionals are given the respect and compensation they deserve.

If the unions secure the increases they’re pushing for, teachers can expect significant changes to their paychecks. Already, the SRC’s proposed increments have adjusted the salary bands for various grades, with increases ranging from a modest Sh2,720 for entry-level teachers to Sh15,766 for the most experienced educators. These figures hint at the potential gains that could be locked in if KNUT and KUPPET succeed in their push for further negotiations. It’s clear that if the December talks yield positive results, educators across the country will end the year with a sense of financial relief.

Beyond the salary adjustments, the negotiations are expected to touch on non-monetary benefits, which were a core part of the 2021 agreement. These benefits often include professional development opportunities, promotions, and transfers, all of which play a critical role in shaping the career paths of educators. The unions have argued that while salary increases are essential, a holistic approach to teacher welfare—covering professional growth and work-life balance—remains equally important. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for TSC to demonstrate its commitment to improving the education sector.

Educators, who have often felt sidelined in policy discussions, now have a platform to voice their grievances and propose solutions. The anticipated review of the CBA represents more than just a chance to improve wages; it’s an opportunity to reshape the landscape of Kenyan education. With TSC signaling openness to dialogue, there’s hope that this moment will mark the beginning of a more collaborative relationship between teachers’ unions and the commission. Such a partnership would be beneficial not only to teachers but also to students who rely on a motivated and well-compensated teaching force.

As the countdown to the December meeting continues, the stakes are undeniably high. Success in these talks could pave the way for a stronger, more resilient education system in Kenya, where teachers feel valued and motivated to excel in their roles. Conversely, a failure to meet teachers’ expectations may deepen the divide between educators and the administration, leading to further unrest and potentially disruptive strikes. For now, all eyes remain on TSC, KNUT, and KUPPET as they prepare to negotiate the future of the nation’s educators.

Ultimately, these upcoming negotiations are a reminder that at the heart of the education system are the teachers—professionals who play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future generations. A fair and just CBA would not only honor their dedication but also reaffirm the importance of quality education as a cornerstone of national development.

About Soko Directory Team

Soko Directory is a Financial and Markets digital portal that tracks brands, listed firms on the NSE, SMEs and trend setters in the markets eco-system. Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/SokoDirectory and on Twitter: twitter.com/SokoDirectory