UTAG Strike nears Suspension after new deliberation with Government

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is expected to suspend its pending Strike after deliberation with Government representatives.

A memorandum of understanding between the Government and UTAG spells out some new relevant deliberations.

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MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (UTAG)

The Government team, represented by the Ministries of Employment and Labour Relations and Education, on one part and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), on the other met on Wednesday, 18th August 2021 to deliberate on issues relating to their Conditions of Service as well as the matters pending before the Labour Commission and the Law Court.

The parties expressed grave concern about the consequences of the ongoing labour impasse between the Government and UTAG over negotiations related to the latter’s conditions of service on the prevailing industrial atmosphere in the country in general and in particular, the 2020/2021 academic calendar of public universities.

The parties acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances of UTAG and the protracted efforts to have them resolved. The consultative meeting further expressed the preparedness of all the parties, and Vice-Chancellors, Ghana (VCG), to work expeditiously to resolve the industrial dispute between UTAG and Government.

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Following the deliberations, the parties have agreed as follows:

1. That both parties (Government and UTAG) agree that there is a need to get back to the negotiating table from the week beginning Monday, 23rd August 2021;

1. That a roadmap for negotiation, as agreed at previous consultative meetings between them (Government and UTAG), which imposes a one-month mandatory period beginning 23rd August 2021 for negotiations, shall be signed by both parties;

2. That whilst the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in conjunction with the National Labour Commission (NLC) is taking steps to DISCONTINUE all legal processes (i.e., National Labour Commission vs. University Teachers Association of Ghana, Suit No. IL/0116/2021) against UTAG, UTAG will also take steps to SUSPEND the on-going strike action;

3. That Government acknowledges the need to improve the working conditions of University Teachers and shall treat this with all the seriousness it deserves.

HON. DR. YAW OSEI ADUTWUM (MP) MINISTER MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

PROF. CHARLES OFOSU MARFO NATIONAL PRESIDENT, UTAG

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