KUPPET Kwale teachers have threatened to sue the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over its failure to remit their funds for medical expenses, Sacco contributions and bank loans.
Leonard Oronje, the branch Executive Secretary, stated that although TSC has been deducting money for NHIF among other contributions, it has not been disbursing the funds to the appropriate entities.
“TSC has been making third-party deductions, but interestingly, they are not depositing these funds,” he said.
Oronje said that the issue has severely impacted teachers’ lives, especially health-wise as they have been experiencing insufficient medical coverage.
He added that the matter has led to many teachers being listed on CRB over loan defaults.
The Union boss stated that Kwale teachers will not return to work until their demands are met, adding that they will not comply with the court orders and are determined to continue their fight.
“This time, we will heed only to God and the union. We do not recognize any court orders,” he said.
He said that the move was intended to undermine the union’s effectiveness, but he assured that they would remain united and strong.
Oronje said that next week KUPPET will mobilize primary and ECDE teachers to join the protests in an effort to pressure the government into meeting their demands.
The branch Treasurer Umi Maloba said that the government must first respect the law and court orders and teachers will follow suit.
She said declaring their strike illegal was unfair and that the court order served to them was unconstitutional.
Maloba stated that TSC has asked JSS intern teachers to renew a contract that was previously deemed illegal.
“As we are advocating for the confirmation of the JSS interns, we have received letters asking teachers to reapply for contracts that were recently declared unconstitutional,” she said.
She said that teachers will not relent in their fight for better conditions, adding that schools will remain closed until their grievances are addressed.
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Maloba also issued a strong warning to school administrators who are pressuring teachers to report to work during the protests labeling them as hypocrites.
“We cannot be out here protesting while some teachers are still teaching. Principals and deputies, take notice, we will come for you,” she said.
The branch senior member Mkasa Amboko expressed his dissatisfaction with politicians interfering in teachers’ employment matters.
He noted that MPs have been seen at funerals promising to provide employment letters to teachers.
Amboko said that such actions undermine TSC which is meant to function as an independent body.
By Shaban Omar
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