Be honest and pay teachers Lobby group

International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) on Thursday called upon the Government to pay teachers their dues as ruled by the Employment and Labour Relations Court in June.

In a statement to media, ICPC Executive Director Ndung’u Wainaina, has outlined a mechanism the government can use to resolve the national crisis.

“Paying the first installment of the salary award of approximately Ksh 1.4 billion is the first step in unlocking the stalemate. If government has will, genuineness and sensitivity, there is no reason it cannot pay this installment,” reads their statement in part.

ICPC adds that the government is under obligation of ensuring every child has the right to access education.

The international body, however, questioned the quality of education and graduates Kenya churns.

“The quality of the education and development of well skilled labour has not been significantly satisfactory. This has had set back in country’s competitive edge in productivity and investment.”

The statement added: “It is also important to observe that the ratio of students to teachers remains very disproportionate.”

ICPC worries students in public schools who are scheduled to sit for national examinations slated to begin next month are not as prepared as their private schools counterparts following the teachers’ strike and that it would be unfair to proceed with the national tests.

The body is concerned by the government and Teachers Service Commission (TSC) indifference in reaching an amicable solution with the teachers.

“Contrary to the assertions of the Teachers Service Commission, National Education Ministry and the Presidency, teachers have shown high level of restrain, patience and respect to both courts’ decisions and negotiations.

“The Teachers Service Commission and Government has not only disregarded court decree but also violated a principle in law of contract,” reads their statement in part.”

Quoting the Labour and Employment Court proceedings and judgment in KNUT against TSC case, ICPC, says it is the employer who drafted the 50-60% proposal, and that despite opposition by teachers who wanted 100-150% increases, TSC stuck to their offer; so they should honour it.

ICPC added: “Central Planning Monitoring Unit in the Ministry of Labour tabled a comprehensive situational analysis report in the Court that clearly recommending that teachers were justified in getting salary increase.”

The international body further argues the courts faulted the employer for withdrawing the offer they had made on the basis that Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had commanded it to do so. They instead ask TSC to bargain with KNUT, KUPPET and then budget for the salaries and seek approval from the treasury.

ICPC added the court ruled that SRC has no role whatsoever in the negotiations and determination of the basic salary for teachers, and also has no mandate to conduct job evaluation for teachers.

The body concluded its statement saying, “from the foregoing, it is therefore reckless, inaccurate and irresponsible for TSC, Education Ministry and Presidency to cast aspersions and portray teachers as greedy, insensitive and inconsiderate while factually they are the ones who have kept part of the bargain. “

ICPC urged TSC to obey court order and pay the first installment to the teachers as they negotiate with the authorized unions governing teachers’ welfare the way to amicably settle their salary row.