Knut seeks the remuneration of dismissed teachers for their entitlements.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) advocates for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to revoke a regulation that bars interdicted and dismissed teachers from receiving their entitlements.
Knut Secretary-General Collins Oyuu asserts that the union will advocate for TSC to rescind the regulation to ensure that dismissed teachers receive their rightful payments.
The union further requests that teachers receive additional benefits for their labor. Mr. Oyuu stated that workers’ retirement benefits should not be contingent upon their conduct.
During a meeting with Knut members at Kibaoni Primary School, he stated that an employee’s conduct is not linked to their entitlements upon departure from service.
“If an error has been made and you have been interdicted and dismissed, the TSC Act and the Code of Regulations for Teachers do not permit you to receive any remuneration. You will simply return home,” remarked Mr. Oyuu.
“In our proposition as a union, when dismissal occurs for any reason, an individual’s conduct is irrelevant to their entitlements. Whether one has committed a serious offense or any other circumstance… the reality remains that you have served TSC for several years,” the secretary-general expressed.
He articulated that TSC should compensate dismissed teachers based on the years they have rendered service.
Simultaneously, he called upon the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee to designate additional resources to TSC for the promotion and hiring of more teachers. Mr. Oyuu advised teachers in grades C2 and C3 who are serving as acting head teachers or deputies not to anticipate promotion under the existing framework.
“Several acting head teachers have not undergone interviews conducted by TSC. Should a teacher lack the necessary grade to serve in an acting capacity, and thus be invited for an interview for administrative promotions…those in grades C2 and C3 should disregard thoughts of promotions; your time is being squandered. Concentrate on teaching, and cease acting,” he stated during a meeting with union officials in Kilifi.
The union representative noted that some teachers have received letters from TSC allowing them to act as head teachers or their deputies yet are not considered for promotions when interviews are announced. “You will be informed that your grade does not suffice. Have the courage to acknowledge this. If your grade does not qualify you for an interview for the role you are currently acting in, return those letters and resume your teaching duties. Do not be misled,” he advised.
“When you are acting without qualification for an interview, you will experience frustration. Numerous teachers are capable of acting roles yet are not occupying these positions. Allow TSC to select teachers who meet the criteria to partake in interviews for promotions in administrative roles. Do not entrench yourselves in these positions for mere titles; you will face disappointment when the time arrives,” concluded Mr. Oyuu.