Pre-Tertiary Teacher Unions to strike in September over Poor Conditions of Service

EducationGhana, August 10, Teachers Strike: Pre-tertiary teacher unions are set to call for industrial action in September ending should the Ghana Education Service (GES) decline their call for a favourable condition of service.

The Teacher Unions, namely the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers – Ghana (CCT-GH) made this announcement in a joint statement on August 10, 2021.

The Unions indicated, said they are serving notice that if by the close of September 2021, all their requests are not resolved in full by the employer, then they will have no option than to advise ourselves in the best interest of our members within the framework of their Collective Agreement and the applicable laws of Ghana.

Teaching and Learning Resources 

The Unions said despite the progress Ghana has made in improving access to education for all. there are still challenges inhibiting thousands of children.

The statement said the authorities have failed to provide teachers and pupils with modern aids to teaching and learning. Such aids are means of improving the quality of teaching and learning.

”There are: no textbooks, the school environment is not conducive for learning, classes are overcrowded, the payment of capitation grants and administrative resources are delayed, among others.” They said.

”The poor quality of education is reflected in students’ results, especially at the first cycle institutions.” The statement said.

Contact and working Hours

In addition, the statement said the hours’ teachers are required to work per day and per week should be determined by the Ghana Education Service and the Teacher Unions as enjoined by the Collective Agreement.

”These include among others: the demands upon the time of the teacher imposed by participation in research, in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in supervisory duties in addition to new changes in classroom delivery instructions as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.”

”Unfortunately, the GES has not only increased the workload of teachers but also failed to compensate the affected teachers for all these.” They said.

Upgrading of Teachers

Another difficulty that is demotivating and demoralizing teachers is the slow pace by the GES to upgrade teachers who on their own, financed themselves to acquire degrees and those who have completed their study leave with pay.

”Ladies and gentlemen of the media, it is pertinent to note that even with the teachers who have been upgraded, they were not paid on the effective or substantive dates they were upgraded. The disturbing issue is that some were given three (3) months arrears while the majority received nothing.” The statement said.

”Ladies and gentlemen, as we speak now, the employer seems not to be perturbed to pay the arrears and indeed taking us for granted. We can no longer neither stand nor tolerate this.” The teachers lamented.

Responsibility Allowance

The teachers lamented, that there were Teachers who hold various positions of responsibility in our educational institutions who are entitled to responsibility allowances.

”Unfortunately, their allowances stopped when they were promoted to other ranks. Despite several efforts by the affected Teachers and the Teacher Unions, a greater number of these Teachers have not had their allowances restored.” They said.

The Teachers’ Promotion Crisis

The encounter of Teachers who sat for the just-released promotion examination results has pressed a panic button in the lives of many young teachers.

”There is every reason to worry. This incident has unreservedly provoked the rank and file of Ghanaian teachers. We deserve better treatment than the way we are being treated.”

”Enough of the disrespect. It is deeply worrying and so demoralizing watching a professionally trained teacher weep uncontrollably in an open camera for promotion. A country where there is no motivation and recognition for teachers definitely has a herculean problem.”

Other Benefits/Allowances not being honoured

a) Car maintenance allowance

b) Rent advance

c) Allowance for teachers in deprived/difficult areas

d) Additional duty allowance among others

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Refusal to Appoint Teachers in the Offices as Heads and Assistants Heads

”We do not understand why the GES has decided not to consider teachers working in the District and Regional Education Offices as Heads and Assistant Heads of Schools.”

”The justification for this decision is not known to all stakeholders. We call for the suspension of the policy until a thorough discussion on the issue is done.” The statement said.

Transfer of Teachers in Special Schools

”The Teacher Unions are surprised at the decision by the Management of the GES to transfer all Teachers teaching in special schools”

”The reason for this action is because of a problem that occurred in a single special school. The ramifications of a mass and nationwide transfer singling out one group of Teachers is discriminatory and wrong. We call on GES to suspend the action.” They said.

The signing of Performance Contract

”The GES has directed all Heads of institutions to sign a Performance Contract. This is unacceptable because the Unions do not know the details and the implications of the contract. We call on the Management of the GES to suspend the signing of the performance contracts until it has been discussed with the Unions.” The teachers said.

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