JSS NEW RESOLUTION.
Written by Valentine Ndeta on June 3, 2024
Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers have called off their strike following a successful negotiation with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The strike, which lasted several weeks, significantly disrupted the academic calendar, affecting thousands of students across the country. The resolution comes as a relief to many, ensuring that normal school operations can resume promptly.
The discussion of the teachers’ grievances centered on salary adjustments, better working conditions, and timely promotions. These issues had been a point of contention for several months, culminating in the strike as the teachers sought to have their demands addressed by the TSC.
After intensive negotiations, an agreement was reached that met several of the teachers’ key demands.Learning is scheduled to start today on 3rd June 2024. The TSC has committed to implementing a phased salary increment, which will be distributed over a period of two years. This phased approach aims to reduce the financial burden on the government while gradually improving the teachers’ remuneration. The TSC agreed to streamline the promotion process, ensuring that qualified teachers receive their deserved advancements without unnecessary delays.
“Kuppet will allocate Sh 8.3 billion for the conversion of 26,000 trainee teachers to permanent and pensionable terms in July this year, the Sh 8.3 billion should cater for all intern teachers hired in January 2023.” Said Mr Misori.
The union also demanded that sh 4.68 billion for new recruitment should be used strictly for permanent and pensionable employment with other further funds allocated to convert second cohort of teachers hired in September 2023 to permanent terms. The 39,550 teachers posted to JSS would boost membership of any union.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the TSC will establish a monitoring committee comprising representatives from both the teachers’ union and the commission. This committee will oversee the implementation of the agreement, addressing any emerging issues promptly to prevent future disruptions.
The teachers’ union expressed satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving labor disputes. Union leaders emphasized that while the strike was a necessary measure, they are committed to fostering a cooperative relationship with the TSC moving forward.
Parents and students have welcomed the end of the strike, hopeful that the new agreement will bring stability and improvement to the education sector. As schools reopen, the focus now shifts to making up for lost time and ensuring that the academic year proceeds smoothly.
