JSS Intern Teachers Threaten Strike: A Call for Permanent Employment.
In the wake of May 2024, a significant movement is stirring among Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers across Kenya. These educators, who have been instrumental in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), are raising their voices in unison for a cause that resonates deeply with the teaching fraternity: the demand for permanent and pensionable employment terms.
The plight of these intern teachers is evident in various counties, with Kericho’s 600 intern teachers issuing a strike notice, demanding employment on permanent terms before the commencement of the second term. Similarly, in Kilifi County, over 1,200 JSS intern teachers are threatening to down their tools if their demands for confirmation on a permanent basis and compensation for their internship period do not materialize.
This collective call for action is not without merit. The intern teachers argue that the current Ksh.20,000 monthly gross salary is insufficient, especially considering it is subject to tax deductions like those of permanent employees. They emphasize that their role is not merely transitional but pivotal in the successful running of the CBC program. The teachers assert that their continued employment under temporary terms undermines their rights to fair labor practice, a sentiment echoed by a recent court ruling deeming TSC’s internship program illegal.
The situation is dire, and the teachers’ resolve is clear: they seek recognition and remuneration that reflects their qualifications and contributions. The strike notice, despite a pending court case, is a testament to their determination to be heard and acknowledged.
As the second term of 2024 approaches, the looming strike by JSS intern teachers casts a shadow of uncertainty over the education sector. The potential industrial action is not just a last resort but a clarion call for systemic change within the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the government’s approach to teacher employment.
The intern teachers’ struggle is emblematic of a larger issue within the education system—a need for sustainable employment practices that honor the dedication and expertise of those shaping the minds of future generations. It is a narrative of resilience and a demand for justice that resonates beyond the classroom walls.
As the story unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that upholds the dignity of the teaching profession and ensures the uninterrupted education of Kenya’s youth. The intern teachers’ call for permanent employment is not just a plea for stability but a rallying cry for the respect and value they rightfully deserve.
JSS Intern Teachers Threaten Strike: A Call for Permanent Employment.
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