Members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) remain resolute in their ongoing strike action, stating that they are prepared to face salary cuts as a consequence. The President of CETAG, Prince Obeng Himah, expressed that they are not surprised by the government’s rumored intentions to withhold their salaries during the strike period.

The nationwide strike, which commenced on August 1, has affected all 46 training colleges. The primary reason cited for the industrial action is the government’s alleged failure to implement the National Labour Commission (NLC)’s Arbitral Award Orders and the negotiated conditions of service since May 2, 2023. Despite several attempts to engage with the Ministry of Finance, CETAG claims that their negotiations have gone unheeded, leading to the prolonged standoff.

When questioned about the possibility of the government withholding pay for the strike duration, President Himah responded, “No, we won’t be surprised at all. We have heard whispers from certain corridors that punitive actions were going to be taken if we dared go on strike. These were some of the things that were whispered, that salaries will be frozen, those of us leading the strike will be imprisoned, and we are fully aware of what is ahead as union members.”

Himah emphasized the need for an open dialogue between CETAG and the NLC to address the issue of salary arrears. He expressed concerns about the current conditions of service, stating, “We are not happy with the turn of events. We need to fight to right the wrongs, if we do not fight, we will not even live to benefit what we are fighting for.”

In response to CETAG’s strike, the Executive Secretary of the NLC, Ofosu Asamoah, condemned the action as unlawful and called on the government to take punitive measures. Asamoah stated, “The Commission has told you, don’t go, and you went, and it says stop what you are doing, and you say you won’t. Defying the orders of the Commission is an unlawful act. The Commission will have to resort to the court to compel them to go back to the classrooms if they still proceed on the strike. And their employers will also have the right to punish them for proceeding with this illegal strike. Two wrongs do not make a right.”

The situation remains tense as both sides hold their ground, leaving the fate of the striking teachers and the education system hanging in the balance

Source: citinewsroom

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Prosper Adjei
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