New Teachers Salary Per Job Group; CBA Winners and Losers
Teachers, often revered as the foundation of education and architects of the future, have become entangled in a novel compensation agreement that has left many pondering its ramifications. The recent accord between their representative unions and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has elicited a range of reactions within the education realm.
Although the salary increments might seem conservative at first glance, they carry substantial significance. The Kenyan economy has been grappling with inflation and a steep cost of living, putting considerable financial pressure on teachers. The increments, while not uniform across all pay levels, aim to provide a degree of protection against these economic hardships.
The assertion by Knut Secretary General Collins Oyuu that the pay raise will aid teachers in combating inflation and living expenses underscores the immediate necessity for these adjustments.
The comprehensive exploration by Teachers Updates delves into the intricacies of the deal, its implications on educators’ incomes, and the larger landscape it exists within.
The Anatomy of the Pay Deal
The pay deal has been met with mixed sentiments, being both lauded as a stepping stone and criticized as an obstacle for teachers. The negotiated pay increment ranges from Sh785 to Sh5,141.
Notably, this increment aligns with the commencement of the housing levy and the new National Social Security Fund (NSSF) rates. While this increment translates to a 2.4 to 9.5 percent increase for different pay levels, it’s crucial to thoroughly dissect its implications.
Housing Levy and NSSF Deductions
The inclusion of significant deductions tempers the elation of a salary increase. Although the pay deal offers a financial boost, a portion of this increment will be allocated to mandatory deductions.
Teachers will experience a 1.5% reduction in their payslips for the housing levy and an additional Sh360 for NSSF. Worth noting is that prior to this arrangement, teachers were exempt from NSSF deductions due to their involvement in the Public Service Superannuation Scheme.
The introduction of these deductions presents a challenge to teachers, particularly those unaccustomed to such reductions in their earnings.
Winners and Impacted Individuals
As the ink dries on the agreement, it’s essential to assess who the primary beneficiaries and the most affected parties are.
Teachers in pay grades C4, C5, D4, and D5, which fall under the minimum pay level, will find themselves without any increment. This raises questions about equitable distribution, particularly the meager Sh785 increment for D1 teachers.
In contrast, teachers in various job groups, such as B5, C1, C2, and C3, will experience relatively more favorable outcomes. Their increments range from Sh2,074 to Sh3,331, which serves as a buffer against deductions and the evolving economic landscape.
Meanwhile, teachers in the higher echelons of pay grades D2 and D3 can anticipate increments of Sh1,455 and Sh1,399, respectively.
The agreement stipulates that the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2021–2025 will be amended and implemented in two phases over the next two years. Graduate teachers at the entry level will receive an additional Ksh 4,164, while those in former municipalities will receive Ksh 5,141. The highest-paid teacher will receive a Ksh 4,883 raise. Additionally, the dwelling allowance for tutors in rural and small-town areas will increase by between Ksh 2,100 and Ksh 8,700.
Also Read: TSC Reveals Payday for Teachers After Increment Agreement
Impact Across Pay Grades
The impact of the new pay deal varies significantly across different pay grades. For example, teachers in pay Grade B5 can expect a minimum increase of Sh2,074, resulting in a range of Sh21,756 to Sh23,830.
Conversely, job group C1 teachers will receive a substantial increment of Sh2,592, elevating their earnings to Sh29,787 from the previous Sh27,195. Similarly, job group C2 teachers will see an increase of Sh3,331, raising their salaries from Sh34,955 to Sh38,286. However, not all pay grades will experience such improvements.
Implications for Teachers and Education
The immediate implications of the pay deal are multi-faceted. While the increments provide some relief, they also serve as a counterbalance to the rising cost of living and inflation.
This equilibrium is particularly crucial for teachers in rural areas, who will benefit from an enhanced housing allowance—a development that has garnered positive attention.
However, the complexity extends beyond these tangible numbers. The concerns raised by unions about teacher promotions and career progression guidelines highlight underlying tensions that require addressing.
Unions’ Concerns and the Road Ahead
While the pay deal’s signing is a significant step in addressing teachers’ financial concerns, it doesn’t mark the end of negotiations. The unions have expressed reservations about teacher promotions and career progression guidelines.
Initially labeling the offer as unfavorable, Kuppet characterized it as a “raw deal” and criticized the employer for being deceptive. Despite this initial opposition, a more conciliatory tone eventually emerged.
A technical committee comprising TSC and union representatives will convene to address these issues, including teacher promotions and compensation for those in acting roles. The shifting dynamics of education and the complex interplay between stakeholders promise to make these discussions pivotal in the sector’s development.
Conclusion: Beyond the Increment
KUPPET has pledged to continue negotiations for the harmonization of house allowances. Additionally, TSC will promote 50,000 teachers as part of the agreement. The teachers’ unions have also ensured that their employer will honor the remaining 50% of the cost-of-living allowance.
With backdating to July 1, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) announced a 7–10 percent salary increase for civil servants. This increase will cost taxpayers an additional Ksh 21.7 billion for the fiscal year 2023-2024, with instructors receiving the majority share of Ksh 9.5 billion. According to SCR, the average increase over two years is 7 to 10 percent, encompassing an average annual grade increase of 3 percent.
While the new teachers’ pay deal brings a long-awaited increment, it unveils a tapestry of complexities extending far beyond numerical figures. As teachers’ payslips reflect the changes, the balance between rise and deduction becomes evident.
New Teachers Salary Per Job Group; CBA Winners and Losers
