Teachers remain optimistic as Supreme Court rules on pay row

KNUT deputy Secretary General Mr Charles Katege (left) presenting a trophy to KNUT Nakuru branch officials lead by Branch secretary general Kuria Njau (second left) during the Nakuru branch annual general meeting on August 20,2015. (PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD)

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has expressed hope that Supreme Court judges will rule in their favour in the salary dispute between them and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The union, which has threatened to paralyse learning in public schools at the opening of the next term after their employer failed to factor in a 50-60 per cent salary increment in their August payslips as earlier ordered by the Court of Appeal, said members were optimistic after winning the case in the lower courts.

The Court of Appeal last month ruled that TSC should honour the increment for teachers as it awaits the determination of the case in the highest court.

And speaking to hundreds of teachers during the annual general meeting for the union members in Nakuru branch, Deputy Secretary General Charles Katege said teachers will win the case.

“It (the case) is just like a volley ball match. It has three sets whereby if you win two sets you are the winner. We have won this case twice and we are going to win again,” Mr Katege said.

He said TSC is in contempt of court for  failing to honour the increment as ordered by the Court of Appeal, adding that teachers are justified to go on another strike to demand for the pay.

“We have exhausted all the avenues: negotiations and courts, now watch this space. If TSC has failed to factor in the money as ordered then what can we do?” asked Katege.

He said teachers have downloaded their payslips and TSC has not increased the money, which was to be done by August 1.

Bomet Knut Secretary Malel Langat said the August payslips do not reflect any salary award and have also deducted medical allowances.

Langat accused the Government of pushing teachers to industrial action.

“Regrettably, the commission is acting with impunity and teachers will not have an option but to down their tools,” said Mr Langat.

The unionist said TSC has mischievously produced the payslips early, unlike in the past where teachers used to receive their payslips after the end of the month.

A week ago, Knut’s top decision-making body, the National Executive Council (NEC), met and resolved that all teachers should boycott duty if they are not paid the salary increment.

 Teachers’ payroll

“The NEC resolved that there are no court orders barring TSC from paying the 50-60 per cent salary increment and if the raise is not reflected on teachers’ payroll by end of August, no member shall go to work,” said Knut Secretary General Wilson Sossion.

“Expectations of the union and its membership therefore are that the new salary must be reflected. Failure to which teachers will go on a nationwide strike by September 1,” Mr Sossion added.