Two key professional bodies are set to down their tools in two weeks’ time if relevant authorities fail to honour their salary demands.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is up in arms against the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in regards to a Collective Bargaining Agreement signed in 2021.
KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu says teachers were facing a severe financial crisis due to the high cost of living, asking the employer to review the said CBA in 14 days or else teachers will down their tools.
While noting that the current salaries are not commensurate with the work that teachers do, the Secretary General called for a salary increase for all teachers as well as a review of other benefits such as housing allowances and medical cover.
“The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) stopped us from negotiating anything monetary in 2021. But since SRC has lifted the caveat on negotiation, we have written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to bring us to the table so that we may review our current salaries.” Oyuu said.
The KNUT boss said his members were affected by the current state of the economy, especially the skyrocketing inflation rate that has hit 8.0 per cent.
“We must review the non-monetary Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) which we signed in 2021. We cannot forget that the economic situation in this country is so biting.” He demanded.
Regardless of government facing financial constraints, Oyuu noted that it should prioritize the welfare of teachers as they are the backbone of the education system.
A 14-day deadline for TSC to convene talks expires on July 25. If TSC does not respond by then, KNUT stated that it will take further action including industrial action.
TSC had not yet responded to KNUT’s demands by the time of going to press. However, the Commission during the launch of its latest strategic plan last week, stated that it was committed to ensuring that teachers are properly remunerated.
“Earlier, TSC came up with a proposal of Sh2 billion for teachers’ allowances, which is welcome, although the National Treasury reduced it to Sh1 billion. We still want our TSC to sit with us and reopen the way for negotiations.” Oyuu said.
At the same time, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has also issued a two-week strike notice, demanding fair pay for its members working at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Through Secretary General Davji Atellah, the union accuse KNH of engaging in discriminatory practices by paying certain health workers half of what others earn.
In a statement, Atellah emphasized that the union is not only seeking equal pay for all healthcare professionals but also demanding a salary increment for doctors that reflects the high cost of living.
The union also called on the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to ensure accountability before adjusting the monthly contribution to 2.7 per cent of the gross salary.
“We are demanding rapid negotiations for a collective agreement that considers market price changes. Inflation and fluctuating fuel prices necessitate salaries that allow us to afford daily needs. Unfortunately, health workers providing diligent services are being unceremoniously dismissed.” Atellah stated.