Teachers' pay dispute deferred to Labour ministry

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By BENJAMIN MUINDI

The pay dispute between the Government and teachers is now being referred to the Labour ministry for arbitration. Education minister Sam Ongeri on Wednesday made the move after the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) rejected the Sh17.3 billion salary increase to be effected in three years.

In his final appeal to the teachers to accept the perks tabled on Tuesday, the minister said he would call on the attention of the Labour minister as required by law.

“I am compelled to refer the matter to the Ministry of Labour immediately to appoint an arbitrator, or forward the matter to the Industrial Court,” said Prof Ongeri.

As required by law (the Teachers Service Commission Act, section 15), the minister is supposed to report the matter to the Labour ministry when a standoff in the talks occurs.

“I appeal to the Kenya National Union of Teachers to re-examine their position and accept the offer the Government has given... considering that this is the best option under the present economic circumstances.”

But Knut insists it will not call off the strike slated for January 19. “The strike is still on! We are now preparing our teachers on the ground to prepare for strike,” said Knut chairman George Wesonga.

Moral authority

“The decision to refer the dispute to the Labour ministry shows that the minister is unable to handle the situation,” Mr Wesonga added.

Sources told the Nation that Prof Ongeri had met the President earlier in the day on the matter and it was agreed that the economy could not support the teachers’ demands.

“I do not have the moral authority to commit the economy beyond bearable situations,” said Prof Ongeri. He was accompanied by assistant ministers Ayiecho Olweny and Calist Mwatela.

Also present were PS Karega Mutahi, Teachers Service Commission boss Gabriel Lengoiboni, chairman Ibrahim Hussein and other officials.

According to the Labour Relations Act, the minister for Labour will have 21 days to appoint a conciliator to help resolve the dispute. If one of the parties is still aggrieved, then the matter can be forwarded to the Industrial Court.

In the proposed scheme, the lowest paid teacher will earn Sh13,750 while the highest paid will take home Sh120,217 per month.