CETAG Threatens Indefinite Strike Over Government's Failure to Honor Agreements, Issues Ultimatum - Gh Edu Pro

At an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the National Council of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) expressed serious concern over the Government's continued failure to uphold agreements and roadmaps related to compulsory arbitration awards. 

SEE ALSO: Another Strike looming: CETAG Announces it's Intentions to embark on Strike again 

These awards were issued by the National Labour Commission (NLC) on May 2, 2023.

CETAG had previously called off a strike on August 20, 2024, showing good faith following appeals from various government offices, including the Ministers for Employment and Labour Relations. 

However, the Union states that the Government has once again violated the agreement made with CETAG on August 19, 2024.

In light of these ongoing violations, CETAG has issued a notice of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike under Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). The key reasons for this decision are:

1. Delays in Offline Migration Data: The Government has delayed the release of offline migration data to the 46 colleges of education for verification by individual staff members, which was agreed upon on August 19, 2024.

SEE ALSO: TUSAAG Announces Possible Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Allowances.

2. New Appointment Letters: The Government has failed to issue new appointment letters to staff, despite the staff audit report and the universities' scheme of service. This delay is preventing the necessary migration of staff to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), which was supposed to take place in October 2024.

3. Unpaid Compensation: CETAG members have not received the one-month basic salary compensation for work done throughout 2022. This payment was ordered by the NLC on May 2, 2023.

4. Research Allowance: The top-up of research allowances for 2023 remains unpaid to staff at McCoy College of Education, Dambai College of Education, and Akrokerri College of Education.

CETAG has stated that if these issues are not addressed by Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Union will proceed with an indefinite strike. 

They have made it clear that they will no longer tolerate excuses or violations of the agreed terms.

CETAG urges the Government to meet its obligations and address the concerns promptly to avoid the strike action, which could impact education across the country.