CETAG Declares Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Grievances starting January 2

By
Ellis Ferdinand
-
CETAG, CENTSAG serve gov't strike notice if conditions of service not finalised in 5 days
CETAG, CENTSAG serve gov't strike notice if conditions of service not finalised in 5 days

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  January 02 | CETAG Declares Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Grievances starting January 2

CETAG declares indefinite strike from January 2, 2025, citing government delays in implementing agreements and arbitration awards. Find out how this affects teacher training programs.

 

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has announced an indefinite strike, effective Thursday, January 2, 2025. This bold decision follows an Emergency National Council meeting held on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Frustration Over Unfulfilled Arbitration Awards

In a press statement, CETAG expressed deep frustration with the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances, including unfulfilled arbitration awards.

The National Labour Commission (NLC) issued a compulsory arbitration award on May 2, 2023, mandating the migration of teaching staff in colleges of education to the pay structure of their affiliate universities.

This was expected to take effect as promised by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) during the maiden edition of the Colleges of Education Teachers Research Conference held in November, 2024.

However, after 20 months, this migration process remains incomplete.

Delays in Compensation for Year-Round Work

In addition to the grievances being raised by CETAG, the Union added, that the delayed compensation for year-round work was unfortunate.

Staff in 42 colleges of education are yet to receive one month’s basic salary as compensation for year-round work performed in 2022, as stipulated in the arbitration award.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

 

 

Appointment Letters Still Outstanding

 

The union also cited unissued appointment letters as a major grievance. These letters, reflecting staff audits and affiliate universities’ schemes of service, were expected by October 2024 but have not been issued.

Unpaid Allowances for Akrokerri College

Additionally, unpaid allowances have compounded CETAG’s frustrations. Top-up book and research allowances for 2023 remain unpaid to staff at Akrokerri College of Education.

Criticism of the National Labour Commission

CETAG also criticized the National Labour Commission (NLC) for failing to enforce its own directives.

Despite multiple appeals from the union, the government has not complied with the NLC’s rulings.

Disruption to Teacher Training Programs

This indefinite strike is expected to severely disrupt academic activities across the nation’s colleges of education, threatening the continuity of teacher training programs.

CETAG’s Firm Stand

CETAG has made it clear that they will not return to work until all outstanding issues are resolved.

“This declaration of an indefinite strike action is in accordance with Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651),” CETAG emphasized in a statement.

Call to Government

The union has urged the government and all relevant stakeholders to urgently address these concerns to avert a prolonged disruption in Ghana’s teacher education sector.

OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES

Discover more from EducationGhana

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

What's your take on this Latest Development?