The New Salary For Job Group B5 Teachers After the Increment Was Revealed
In a recent development that has drawn attention from educators and the general public, talks between teachers and their employers have hit a deadlock, causing uncertainty among educators about their salary increases.
The main point of contention centers around the proposed pay raise for Job Group B5, which has been a subject of dispute since discussions began on August 22, 2023.
The negotiations primarily involved the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and representatives from three major unions: the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), and the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (Kusnet). Unfortunately, these negotiations did not result in a mutual agreement regarding salary adjustments for educators.
At the core of the issue lies the difference between the suggested wage increase and the unions’ expectations. The TSC put forth a plan suggesting a salary increment ranging from 2.4 percent to 9.5 percent over a two-year period.
However, the unions opposed this proposal, arguing that it falls significantly short of the seven to ten percent raise recommended by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for civil servants, security personnel, and teachers.
The disagreement over the proposed raise has left educators disheartened, especially those in Job Group B5. According to the TSC’s proposal, the lowest-paid teachers in this group were supposed to see their basic pay increase from Sh21,756 to Sh22,793 in the first year, and then to Sh23,830 in the following year—an increase of Sh1,037. On the other hand, the maximum basic pay for teachers in this grade was projected to rise from Sh27,195 to Sh28,491.
A significant point of contention revolves around the timeline for implementing these changes. While most of the proposed raise was intended to be distributed over two years, it was stated that Grade B5 would experience an immediate adjustment. This decision added to the frustration among educators, who now face uncertainty about their financial future.
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Despite the negotiations stalling, the issue remains crucial for both teachers and students as the nation prepares for national exams in the upcoming months.
The unions’ call for a more substantial salary increase reflects the pressing economic hardships faced by educators—a sentiment that union representatives aim to highlight during negotiations with the TSC.
In the midst of this ongoing dispute, union representatives have taken strong positions. Akello Misori, the secretary-general of Kuppet, expressed the union’s demand for a 30 to 70 percent salary increase, while Collins Oyuu, the secretary-general of Knut, insisted on a 60 percent raise across all job groups. These figures underscore the seriousness of the financial difficulties experienced by educators.
Despite the obstacles and disagreements in the negotiations, the bigger picture emphasizes the importance of fair compensation for teachers, who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
As educators await further discussions and potential resolutions, the ultimate hope remains that a just and fair agreement will be reached, recognizing and appropriately compensating the dedication and commitment of teachers.
The New Salary For Job Group B5 Teachers After the Increment Was Revealed
