CETAG Threatens Strike if Ghana Government Fails to Implement Arbitration Decisions by May 31

The Colleges of Education Teachers' Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued an ultimatum to the Ghana government, demanding the implementation of arbitration decisions on their conditions of service by May 31, 2024. The association has threatened to take strike action if their demands are not met by the specified deadline.

In 2021, CETAG engaged in negotiations with the government over a new condition of service. The talks led to the intervention of the National Labour Commission (NLC) in January 2023, resulting in a Compulsory Arbitration. On May 2, 2023, the NLC issued an Arbitration Award Order granting CETAG members new conditions of service, including proposed salary grades, staff audits, all-year-round work compensation, and top-up research allowances. However, the government has yet to implement these conditions.

CETAG President, Mr. Prince Obeng-Hemah, stated, "By the end of May, we expect the government to address several outstanding issues, including the failure to compensate members with one month's salary for additional duties performed in 2022 and the payment of agreed-upon salary applicable to certain members employed in public universities." He emphasized that the dedication of CETAG members to serving the state has often been taken for granted by their employers and that silence will no longer be tolerated.

Why this matters: The potential strike action by CETAG could disrupt the academic activities in the 46 public colleges of education in Ghana. The implementation of the arbitration decisions is vital for ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for the teaching staff, which directly impacts the quality of education provided to students.

CETAG has called on the relevant authorities to intervene and take decisive action to uphold industrial peace and prevent any disturbances in the colleges of education. The association remains committed to fighting for the rights and welfare of its members, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation and recognition for their contributions to the education sector in Ghana.

Key Takeaways

• CETAG issues ultimatum to Ghana govt, demands arbitration decisions by May 31, 2024.
• CETAG negotiated new conditions of service in 2021, leading to NLC arbitration in 2023.
• NLC awarded CETAG members new salary grades, staff audits, and allowances, but govt yet to implement.
• CETAG threatens strike action if demands not met, disrupting academic activities in 46 colleges.
• Implementing arbitration decisions crucial for fair compensation and quality of education.