The University Teacher Association of Ghana (UTAG) has indicated that the strike it has embarked on still holds despite the directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC) to call it off.
The National President of UTAG, Professor Charles Marfo who confirmed that the strike is still in force questioned why the Commission has not intervened for the Association by engaging government.
“If they say we should call off the strike, one wonders why all along, they did not intervene so that government does what they are supposed to do.”
“This is very usual about the NLC. We have not sighted the letter, but whatever it is, when we get it, we will look at it and respond appropriately. We need to see the letter first.”
Professor Charles Marfo
Professor Marfo also averred that,
“This is a country governed by laws, what is called the rule of law. If the law says that the commission has the power to do this, when the court gives a directive, will you say that you can’t do it? When they flout, they go to court. That is what the law says.
“He [NLC boss] says we should deal with government and as it is, we are meeting with government. Do they know that? On what basis did they write that letter? If we have to meet them, we’ll meet them.”
Professor Charles Marfo
UTAG began an indefinite industrial action on Monday, August 2, 2021 over poor conditions of service and the failure of the government to resolve long-standing grievances. The NLC however said the action is irregular especially since the leadership of the association is still negotiating with the government over their demands.
NLC not knowing about strike, surprising
Professor Osafo posited that the NLC’s claim not to know about the strike is surprising because the Association informed them.
“It is surprising that they seem to be claiming not to know that we were going on strike. Because we have informed them, they knew that we were going to take this action. Maybe some manna will come from heaven and we may rethink our decision.”
Professor Charles Marfo
NLC’s directive to UTAG
This response from UTAG stems from the National Labor Commission (NLC) directing the Association to call off the strike action which commenced on Monday, August 2, 2021.
The commission also directed the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana,;to also call off its strike and appear before the Commission on Thursday, August 5, 2021.
In separate letters to the two unions, the NLC directed them to stay any or all intended actions for the parties to appear before the Commission.
The Executive Secretary of the NLC, Ofosu Asamoah further urged the two unions to return to the negotiation table.
According to him, the only outstanding issue for the UTAG members was settling on their research allowance.
“The invitation is in accordance with section 139 of the Labor Act 2003, Act 651.
“In view of the COVID-19 protocols, the representation by each side is restricted to a maximum of two persons and this must also be noted.”
Ofosu Asamoah
