Saturday, 18 July

Teacher unions threaten strike over delayed conditions of service, issues one week ultimatum

News
pre-tertiary teacher unions

 

Three major pre-tertiary teacher unions have warned of a possible nationwide strike if the government fails to implement key provisions contained in their conditions of service.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) say several negotiated benefits have remained outstanding for years despite repeated commitments by successive governments.

The warning follows a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on Thursday, July 16, which ended without an agreement. The Commission indicated that it would seek fresh approval from government before negotiations continue.

Speaking to Class News, PRETAG Vice President Adokwei Ayikwei Awulley said the unions remain frustrated over persistent delays in implementing critical aspects of their conditions of service.

Among the key concerns, he identified the lack of a structured promotion system for teachers at the deputy director level, which has left many unable to advance in their careers for more than a decade because progression depends on the availability of vacancies.

He also expressed concern that a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama to facilitate the promotion of deputy directors has yet to be carried out.

Mr. Awulley further criticised the continued failure to implement a 20 per cent incentive package for teachers serving in deprived and hard-to-reach communities, describing it as another long-standing commitment that has remained unfulfilled.

According to him, the unions have given government until the end of next week to demonstrate progress in resolving the outstanding issues.

He warned that should there be no concrete action within the stipulated period, the unions would consider all available options, including industrial action, to press home their demands.

The unions maintain that the issues at the centre of the dispute are not fresh demands but agreed conditions of service that have remained unimplemented for years.

   

Source: Classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang