The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has commenced an indefinite strike from today, Monday, August 2, 2021 as announced by the Association last week.
The Association after government’s failure to heed to their demands threatened a strike action and later followed up by directing all of its members to comply with the strike.
According to UTAG, all of its members on all campuses are to withdraw teaching and other activities like examinations, invigilation, marking of examination scripts and the processing of examination results.
This strike action comes on the back of UTAG asking the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon with the government in 2012 which have not been heeded to.
It said the 2012 conditions of service,;which pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42 is currently not the arrangement being used. The Association has complained that the current arrangement has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84.
UTAG further indicated that it is not happy at the way the authorities have been dragging their feet on negotiations concerning the welfare of the teachers.
Reconsider strike action
Meanwhile, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is appealing to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana to reconsider the strike action they have taken.
According to NUGS in a presser,;although the demands of the two unions are right per their reasons,;students’ interest should also be a consideration as far as their actions are concerned.
“The National Union of Ghana Students appreciates UTAG and SSA-UoG for the patience and sacrifice of their membership towards service rendered to Ghanaian students and the nation at large. We believe strongly that the answers UTAG and SSA-UoG are seeking from the government are for the right reasons.”
NUGS
NUGS not in agreement with strike action
The Union stated that it was not in agreement with the strike action taken;due to the ongoing effect of the pandemic which has resulted in the distraught nature of studies and other academic activities. It therefore urged the two unions to reconsider their decision as a mark of good faith towards students.
“That notwithstanding, we disagree with the strike approach,;considering its effect on students,;especially within the abnormal times we find ourselves in and the earlier obstruction of academic work by the global shutdown. UTAG and SSA-UoG must,;as an act of good faith towards students and the government,;avoid an entrenched position in all dialogues to address their concerns.”
NUGS
The Union further appealed to the Association and pleaded with them to return to their normal academic activities. NUGS then urged them to resolve the issue with the appropriate authorities to bring conclusion to the issue.
“We appeal to our lecturers to stay in the classroom for the sake of the future generation;as they continue to negotiate with the appropriate quarters;since Ghanaian students shouldn’t always be at the receiving end.”
NUGS
