Teachers

We Will Strike Untill Government Complies With Our Demands – CETAG Replies FWSC

We Will Strike Untill Government Complies - CETAG Replies FWSC

The College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has decided not to follow the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s (FWSC) order to stop their ongoing strike. According to CETAG, their strike will continue until government complies with their demands.

This comes after FWSC criticized CETAG’s strike, calling it uncooperative given the government’s efforts to resolve their issues.

CETAG began their indefinite strike on June 14, 2024, affecting all 46 public colleges of education in Ghana. The strike was in response to the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and the agreed-upon service conditions. CETAG demands the payment of one month’s salary for extra duties performed in 2022 and the application of agreed allowance rates similar to those of public universities.

Despite the government working to address these issues, the FWSC urged CETAG to end the strike and continue discussions. However, CETAG’s President, Prince Obeng-Himah, stated in a radio interview that their strike is legal and aimed at protecting their economic rights under the 1992 constitution and the Labour Act of 2003. He stressed that CETAG’s actions are lawful and encouraged members to support the leadership until the government meets their demands.

CETAG issued a statement on June 14, 2024, reinforcing their decision to strike to safeguard their members’ economic rights. They referenced Article 24(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Section 10 (a) and (b) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), emphasizing the importance of upholding these legal protections. CETAG called on all members to stop teaching and related services until their demands are met, including the implementation of the Arbitral Award Orders and payment of dues.

The strike has significant implications, with teaching halted across all public colleges of education in Ghana. CETAG remains firm in their stance, insisting that their actions are justified and protected by law. They continue to push for the government to fulfill their obligations and meet the agreed conditions to ensure fair treatment and compensation for their members.