Teacher Unions vs. Government: Stalemate in Allowance Negotiations – Ellis Ferdinand Analysis Reveals Strategies and Risks

By
Ellis Ferdinand
-
ellis teacher
Ellis Ferdinand, Ghanaian Education Blogger, Curriculum Specialist and Researcher

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | May 12 | Teacher Unions vs. Government: Stalemate in Allowance Negotiations – Ellis Ferdinand Analysis Reveals Strategies and Risks

 

Dive into the intricacies of the ongoing teacher allowance negotiations between unions and the government in Ghana. Ellis Ferdinand’s analysis unveils the latest updates, strategies, and potential risks involved, shedding light on the path forward for both parties.

 

Teacher Unions vs. Government: Stalemate in Allowance Negotiations – Ellis Ferdinand Analysis Reveals Strategies and Risks

Ellis Ferdinand, a distinguished Education Blogger and Curriculum Specialist, delves into the complex landscape of the ongoing negotiations between teacher unions and the government over critical allowances. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the latest developments, strategies, and risks involved:

Background

The negotiations initially stemmed from teacher unions’ demands for essential allowances, leading to a strike action that prompted intervention from the NLC and the judiciary. While some progress was made, including government commitments to provide laptops and a draft scheme of service, negotiations continued over additional allowances.

The Unions, however, were in subsequent negotiations for six more allowances, including the CPD Allowances, Deprived Area Allowances, rent, transport, and utility subsidies, as well as teaching and assessment allowances.

Why the Delays in Coming to a Negotiable Conclusion

Both parties have not been able to come to any tangible conclusion because, during negotiations, it got to a time when the government seemed to act lackadaisical when its members could come for negotiation and call for postponement. After all, some members from its side could not attend the meeting, as well as teacher union disagreements with some key requests of the government concerning the allowances.

Latest Developments

Despite initial expectations for a timely resolution, negotiations extended beyond deadlines, prompting the NLC to grant multiple extensions, with the latest deadline set for June 19, 2024. However, delays persist due to logistical challenges and disagreements between parties.

Government’s Requests

The government proposed merging teacher union allowances into four categories and reducing CPD allowances. The four allowances include; the Deprived Area Allowance, Extra Assessments Allowance,  Book/Data/Online Teaching Allowance, and the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Allowance.

Additionally, concerns arose over the Deprived Area Allowance; where the government insisted, that not only teachers work in the deprived areas, hence the decision to meet with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for advice.
NLC Sets Two-Week Deadline for Teacher Unions and Government to Conclude Negotiations
Teacher Unions’ Negotiation with Government: Comprehensive Analysis and Strategic Report

Dangers of Extension

 

While the extended timeline offers opportunities for consensus, it also risks prolonging negotiations, potentially allowing the government to delay outcomes until after the mid-year budget reading, leading to the implementation of the negotiation outcomes in 2025.

Recommendations for Teacher Unions

  • Maintain resolute in advocating for Deprived Area Allowances as a union-specific request.
  • Pursue a percentage-based approach for CPD allowances to align with potential salary increases.
  • Seek expert advice and convey comprehensive information to guide negotiations effectively.
  • Ensure that the government agrees to all allowances before reading the mid-year budget or add it to their supplementary budgets within 2024 and not extend it to 2025.

Next Steps

Negotiations are expected to resume in the coming week, with both parties aiming to reach a mutually beneficial solution.

Ellis Ferdinand’s analysis sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the teacher allowance negotiations, offering insights into strategies and risks shaping the path forward for government and teacher unions alike. Stay tuned for further updates on this crucial issue impacting Ghana’s education sector.

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