In a decisive move that has sent ripples through the educational sector, the National Executive Committee (NEC), with the full consent and agreement of the National Council and the members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), has declared an indefinite strike. This decision, taken in accordance with Article 15 Section 3 of the CETAG Constitution, will see all 46 public colleges of education in Ghana halting operations from Friday, June 14, 2024.
The declaration of this indefinite strike is a stand taken by CETAG to guarantee their economic rights as enshrined in Article 24(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Section 10 (a) and (b) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). CETAG has outlined several reasons underpinning this drastic measure, each highlighting significant grievances with their Employer’s compliance and the enforcement of agreed terms.
“Failure of our Employer to comply with the National Labour Commission (NLC) decisions and orders given by the Compulsory Arbitration Awards agreed by the parties as follows; (a) an order for the payment of one-month salary to each entitled member of CETAG as compensation for additional duty performed in 2022, (b) an order that the agreed rates of allowances payable to public universities be applied to deserving members of CETAG, (c) an order that the implementation of the completed Staff Audit exercise shall commence from 1 January 2023.”
Mr Prince Obeng-Himah, National President CETAG
CETAG noted that it had previously undertaken a strike to enforce these orders, which was called off in August 2023 at the behest of the NLC. The expectation was that the NLC would ensure the implementation of its orders, which has not occurred.
According to CETAG, there has been a failure to pay deserving CETAG members a top-up of the research allowance as arrears, stemming from the 2023 Condition of Service (CoS) agreement signed with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
“The Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) have unilaterally altered CETAG’s existing office-holding positions and allowances,” CETAG revealed.
This action according to CETAG contravenes the Harmonised Statutes for Colleges of Education and the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which had approval from the Ministry of Finance in July 2023, set to end on December 31, 2024.
Moreover, CETAG revealed that the August 2023 salaries of the CETAG National President and other members were frozen without justifiable cause, an action seen as punitive and without basis.
CETAG urged every member to immediately comply with this strike declaration by withdrawing all teaching and related services indefinitely across all 46 public colleges of education. This action will remain in effect until all the orders arising from the Compulsory Arbitration Awards and related concerns are fully implemented, including the due payments and necessary enforcement actions.
This strike has significant implications for the education sector in Ghana, potentially disrupting the academic calendar and affecting thousands of students and staff members. The prolonged unresolved issues highlight deep-seated challenges in the administration and governance of the colleges of education. CETAG’s decision underscores the frustration and discontent among educators over unmet agreements and perceived neglect by relevant authorities.
As CETAG members commence this indefinite strike, the onus now falls on the Employer, the National Labour Commission, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently address and resolve these grievances. The resolution of these issues is crucial not only for the immediate resumption of academic activities but also for the long-term stability and harmony within the educational sector. Stakeholders and observers alike will be keenly watching how the situation unfolds and whether a swift resolution can be reached to mitigate the impact on Ghana’s educational landscape.
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