How TSC-Unions CBA Affects Teachers Payslips
How TSC-Unions CBA Affects Teachers Payslips
How TSC-Unions CBA Affects Teachers Payslips
Teachers are set to receive higher salaries by the end of the week, following an agreement signed between their unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The deal, inked on August 28 at the Kenya School of Government, grants a 7 to 9.5% raise, retroactive from July 1, 2023, and distributed over two years. While this agreement brings relief, unions intend to keep advocating for their original demands, including enhanced basic salaries and accommodation allowances for rural educators, whose allowances have now aligned with Cluster 3.
A significant number of instructors (approximately 87%) work in Cluster 4 rural areas, and the changes will primarily benefit them. For the lowest-paid teachers (Job Grade B5), their basic salary will rise from Sh21,756 to Sh23,830, along with a Sh3,850 housing allowance.
Notably, their commuter and leave benefits will remain unchanged. The new salary structure will come into effect promptly in the August payroll, and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia and TSC chairperson Jamleck Muturi John have assured teachers that the implementation will be retroactive to July 1, 2023.The agreement stems from discussions and consultations with unions such as the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers. Unlike a previous wage proposal from TSC, which was rejected by unions, this agreement garnered support.
The agreement holds significance in mitigating the effects of inflation and higher taxation, a concern voiced by Collins Oyuu, the general secretary of Knut. While Knut initially sought a 60% increase, the current agreement secures a 10% raise.
Oyuu expressed appreciation for this accomplishment and indicated the union’s intent to continue pursuing the remaining 50% increase.
Oyuu’s sentiment was echoed by Akello Misori, General Secretary of Kuppet, who shared that negotiations addressed various issues within the 2021–2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The parties agreed to form joint technical committees to address unresolved matters, including career progression guidelines and the impact of the 2016–2017 CBA. Despite past obstacles due to the pandemic, the parties are working towards positive outcomes for educators.
In summary, an agreement between teachers’ unions and the TSC will result in increased salaries for teachers, with backdated raises ranging from 7 to 9.5%. While the unions continue to advocate for their original demands, this agreement brings relief to teachers, particularly those in rural areas.
The deal addresses issues related to salary, allowances, and career progression, and joint technical committees will address outstanding concerns.
