Striking Junior Secondary School Teachers Defy TSC Show Cause Letters
Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers remain steadfast in their strike despite threats from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to terminate their employment. On Friday, these teachers demonstrated in Homa Bay town, led by Chairman Lazarus Buore and Secretary Harrizone Otieno, declaring they will not return to their classrooms until the government meets their demands for permanent and pensionable employment.
Buore criticized the TSC for disregarding a court order that nullified their contract-based employment, urging the commission to respect the judicial decision. He highlighted the court’s prohibition against employing teachers on a contractual basis, accusing the TSC of non-compliance.
Echoing Buore’s sentiments, Otieno reaffirmed that the strike would persist until the government issued permanent employment letters. He emphasized that the teachers would not resume work without these assurances.
Velinda Rakara, a striking JSS teacher, shed light on their financial struggles, explaining that the Sh17,000 monthly salary was insufficient to meet the high cost of living. She accused the government of exploiting their labor and underscored the inadequacy of their compensation. Rakara also stated that no threats would deter them from their strike.
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The teachers urged legislators to support their cause, expressing frustration over the TSC’s threats of disciplinary action. They reiterated their resolve to continue striking until their demands are met.
TSC’s Response and Threat of Dismissal
The TSC has responded to the ongoing strike by issuing ‘show cause’ letters to 7,357 striking contract teachers, demanding explanations for their absenteeism. These teachers must provide satisfactory justifications within two weeks or risk losing their jobs.
The TSC’s decision followed a meeting at its headquarters, where absenteeism data from county offices underscored the strike’s impact on school operations. These affected teachers are among the 46,000 recruited last year and deployed to junior schools.
The TSC’s letters accuse the teachers of violating the TSC Act Schedule Clause (b) by engaging in professional misconduct through their strike. The commission is considering terminating their contracts and has requested the teachers to explain why they should not end their internships. Regional and county directors of education have received copies of these letters.
Striking Junior Secondary School Teachers Defy TSC Show Cause Letters.
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