Teacher Unions Demand Immediate GES Action on November Allowance Tax, TVET Service, and CPD Exploitation

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  November 21|Teacher Unions Demand Immediate GES Action on November Allowance Tax, TVET Service, and CPD Exploitation

GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT Ghana urge GES to address key teacher concerns, including tax on allowances, TVET transitional issues, and exploitation during Continuous Professional Development programs.

Teacher Unions Demand GES Action on Taxation, TVET Service, and CPD Exploitation

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH) have jointly issued a strong letter to the Ghana Education Service (GES) outlining pressing concerns affecting teachers.

The unions have demanded immediate action from GES and the Ministry of Education on key issues, warning that failure to address their demands by November 30, 2024, could lead to severe disruptions in the industrial environment.

Key Demands from Teacher Unions

1. Taxation of Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance

The unions are urging the government to honor its earlier agreement not to tax the Complimentary Digital Instruction Support Allowance. They emphasized that taxing the allowance would breach trust and could lead to uncontrollable actions by union members.

In their letter, the unions stated:

“Should the government not heed and go ahead with the deduction, the Ministry of Education may have itself to blame in the end.”

 

2. Transitional Period for Teachers Opting Out of TVET Service

The unions expressed concern over the implementation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service. They demand a transitional period to allow teachers who wish to opt out of the TVET Service to return to the GES without intimidation or restrictions.

“We would resist the forced implementation of the TVET Service by roping teachers against their will into the membership of the Service by fiat,” the unions warned.

 

3. Exploitation in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Workshops

The unions accused some school heads and district directors of exploiting teachers during CPD workshops by compelling them to attend sessions at exorbitant fees. They described the practice as “consistent exploitation, intimidation, and undue pressure,” and called for an immediate end to this trend.

Union Leaders Demand Action

The unions warned that the peaceful industrial environment should not be disturbed by ignoring these demands. They stated:

“Failure of the Employer to heed our call and expectations would have the Employer having himself to blame. We have had a very tranquil industrial environment and do not want to rock it.”

 

Conclusion

The unions have given the GES until November 30, 2024, to respond to their demands. This call comes amidst increasing frustrations among teachers regarding governance and administrative issues within the education sector.

The GES is yet to officially respond to the concerns outlined in the letter. However, the growing tension suggests that swift action will be necessary to maintain industrial peace.