Teachers give government one week ultimatum over conditions of service, threaten strike
Ghana’s three major teacher unions GNAT, NAGRAT and PTTAG have given government one week to resolve their expired Conditions of Service or risk industrial action affecting schools nationwide
The leadership of Ghana’s three major pre-tertiary teacher unions has given the government a one-week ultimatum to conclude negotiations on their expired Conditions of Service, warning that continued delays could trigger industrial action across the country’s education sector.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PTTAG) say their patience is running out after renewed discussions with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) ended without a breakthrough.
The unions said a meeting held on Thursday, July 16, failed to resolve outstanding issues after the FWSC indicated
that it would have to seek a fresh mandate from government before negotiations could continue.
They have now extended what they describe as a final opportunity for government to act, warning that failure to reach an agreement within the next week could result in industrial action that may affect teaching and learning nationwide.
Teachers’ demands
The unions petitioned the FWSC three weeks ago over delays in renewing their Conditions of Service, which they say has expired.
Among their key demands are:
The promotion of eligible teachers who have qualified for advancement;
The implementation of a 20% Deprived Area Allowance for teachers working in underserved communities;
Improvements in other welfare-related conditions.
Speaking after the meeting, President of PTTAG, King Ali Awudu, expressed disappointment over the outcome but said the unions had decided to give government additional time to address their concerns.
“We are not happy with the current stand of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on our allowances, including the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance. Although our deadline ends tomorrow, July 17, we have decided to give them one more week to address the issues,” he said.
He, however, warned that teachers’ patience was being tested.
“The patience of our members is running out,” he added.
Trust between government and teachers at risk
GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah accused government of failing to respond adequately to repeated concerns raised by the unions.
He warned that continued delays could damage confidence between teachers and the authorities.
“When trust breaks down, it becomes a different ball game altogether, and where we are heading is not good for any of us,” he said.
Mr Musah said the unions had already engaged key government officials, including the Ministers responsible for Finance and Education, but had yet to receive a satisfactory response.
No compromise on teachers’ welfare
Meanwhile, NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba assured teachers that the unions would continue pushing for improved working conditions.
He said members should expect the leadership to negotiate firmly and would not accept an agreement that does not adequately address their concerns.
“We want to assure our members that we are not going to accept just anything. We will make sure that we secure something better for them,” he said.
The teacher unions insist they remain committed to dialogue but want the government to treat the matter with urgency.
With the one-week extension now in effect, attention is on the FWSC and government to reach an agreement and avert what could become another major disruption in Ghana’s education sector.