The 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between TSC and KNUT has finally been signed.
The signing of CBA between the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) seeks to resolve frequent teacher’s strikes.
The CBA will be effective from 1sy July 2017.
The signing of the deal was sealed today during the ongoing annual secondary head teachers conference in Mombasa and witnessed by KNUT National Chairman Mudzo Nzili, Secretary General Wilson Sossion and TSC chairperson Lydia Nzomo.
The National Treasury has already set aside Kshs.13.9billion for implementation of the 1st phase of the CBA which falls due on 1st July 2017.
According to the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia, the 2013-2017 agreement aims at addressing salaries and allowances for teachers and restore discipline in the education sector.
“It has consolidated the gains made in the teaching service over the years especially from 2013 to date. It has provided a basis for future negotiations of CBAs between the parties,” she outlined.
She stated that the CBA formalizes the obligation of the parties and union’s members to the adherence to the provisions of the Code of Regulations and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers 2015 as the primary documents in the management of teachers.
“It has also provided for determinable terms and conditions of service for teachers and restated the role of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission in the determination of remunerations payable to teachers in the public sector,” she stated.
She indicated that the document further has a provision for an enhanced evaluation of teachers with a view of improving the quality of teaching.
“It has also provided for the protection of the child and public property in case of an industrial action by the union. It has also re-affirmed the constitutional threshold of the need for consultation between the parties in matters affecting the teaching sector,” she said.
She pointed out that an enhanced alternative dispute resolution mechanism in grievance handling has been inserted in the CBA to ensure stability in the teaching service.
Sossion expressed satisfaction with the new CBA and assured teachers that it will address their concerns and end strikes to enable teachers to offer quality education.
Fake Circular about Teachers’ Allowances
The Teachers Service Commission has publicly distanced itself from a fake circular doing rounds on social media. The circular stated that the various allowances payable to teachers will be stopped after the implementation of the 2017-2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
TSC notes that House Allowance, Leave Allowance, Commuter Allowance and Hardship Allowance will continue to be paid out with the basic salary every month
Also, Teachers with visual impairment and those using wheelchairs will continue drawing Disability Guide Allowance.
The CBA signed between the TSC and Teachers Union will be implemented as agreed. On 16th June 2017 TSC and Unions 3 RD JULY, 2017 officials signed an implementation matrix and schedule which provides that teachers in the lower grades be paid out in only two phases.
In case you are among those who do not have a clear idea about what CBA is all about, here is a simple definition for you:
Collective bargaining agreement means an agreement in writing or writings between an employer and a trade union setting forth the terms and conditions of employment or containing provisions in regard to rates of pay, hours of work or other working conditions of employees. To learn more, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_agreement.
