JSS Intern Teachers Announce Strike If Not Confirmed By TSC
JSS Intern Teachers Announce Strike If Not Confirmed By TSC
Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers working for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have announced their intention to walk out in January 2024. The teachers voiced their worries and made it clear that they wouldn’t report to work unless the administration verified that they were employed permanently and were eligible for pensions during a rally in Homa Bay County.
The previous year, these teachers were hired on a contract basis by the government through TSC, and they were assigned to JSS institutions in elementary schools. Following the internship, the commission had guaranteed a transfer to permanent and pensionable position.
The teachers asked the government to finish their job terms and make it easier for them to transfer to senior secondary schools during a press conference in Homa-Bay town. The teachers emphasized the heavy workloads and inadequate job terms even after a year of service in JSS.
Under the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the teachers had previously raised concerns about excessive work and being assigned tasks in primary schools where they are based. Siaya County Executive Secretary Sam Opondo mentioned instances where JSS teachers were compelled to teach primary school classes and subjects they were not trained for.
On Monday, JSS teachers from a number of Kisii County schools reported that the end of their one-year contracts was approaching. In Kisii, some 1,300 teachers were hired in February for internships. Everline Mayaka, Duncan Ondieki, and Everline Ongwacho all stated that they were ready for full-time work but were reluctant to accept fresh internship contracts.
Concerns were expressed that TSC would hire recent grads before the interns, which could spark demonstrations when the interns decide what to do in January.
