The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has urged the government to take prompt action in resolving the ongoing strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
This follows claims by CETAG that it has reached an agreement with their employers; however, the government has failed to sign its part of the agreement, making the deal null and void.
CETAG President Prince Obeng-Himang says that the industrial action will persist until the government signs the agreement.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 29, a TTAG representative expressed surprise and disappointment over the government's inaction despite earlier assurances.
“Government has been assuring us of action. Now, we don’t need any assurance. All we need is action to solve this strike,” the representative emphasised.
TTAG called on the government to immediately sign the Memorandum of Understanding to enable teachers to resume their duties by Tuesday, July 29, 2024.
The association highlighted the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions in the education sector.
On June 14, teachers in various colleges of education laid down their tools to demand better working conditions and remuneration packages.
This action was a response to the association says is government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and negotiated service conditions.
The demands by CETAG include the payment of one month’s salary to each member for additional duties performed in 2022, and the application of agreed rates of allowances payable to public universities to deserving CETAG members.
After weeks of negotiations, CETAG says it has reached an agreement with their employers; however, the government has failed to sign the agreement.
Meanwhile, the industrial action by CETAG has entered its 7th week, as members have refused to return to the classrooms in defiance of GTEC’s directive and the subsequent freezing of their July salaries.
Source: Emma Ankrah