GNAT, NAGRAT and CCT-GH declares nationwide strike

The three (3) Teacher Unions GNAT, NAGRAT, and CCT-GH have declared a nationwide strike.

The release date, March 20, 2024, confirming the declaration was jointly signed by Thomas T. Musah (General Secretary, GNAT), Eric Agbe-Carbonu (President, NAGRAT), and King Ali Awudu (President, CCT-GH.).

The three (3) Teacher Unions publicized that

“In recent times, we the Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions GNAT, NAGRAT, and the CCT-Gh., have raised our voices over and over again on the following issues with the employer and asked for resolution, failure of which we hinted advising ourselves:

1. DELAY WITH NEGOTIATION OF THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

It would interest you to know that following the expiration of the Collective Agreement in 2023, negotiation of the new Collective Agreement should have been completed on or before February 29, 2024, but this has not been so.

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Thus, the new Collective Agreement stands un-negotiated, and we raised this concern in our letter to the Director General, GES, dated 29th February 2024, and also informed the National Labour Commission (NLC). As we gather here now, the issue is still outstanding!

2. SCHEME OF SERVICE

We have also drawn the attention of the Director General of the GES to the fact that the Ghana Education Service does not have a functional Scheme of Service for Teachers. Thus, a much cogent and appropriate one, which takes care of all requirements in the teaching profession needs to be developed for us. We have cried over this to no avail!

3. EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO THE TEACHERS ARE THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:

The inability of the Government and the Service to complete the distribution of the laptops to all teachers is of concern.

The rampant changes of the school calendar without recourse to negotiation with the Teacher Unions is affecting the smooth operation of the Service.

Also, the blockage of Teachers salaries by the Office of Special Prosecutor without recourse to laid down procedures is a major worry.

CALL TO ACTION:

In the light of the above circumstances and given the delays, unfulfilled promises on the part of the Employer and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, (FWSC), and also threats from the rank and file of our members, we the Pre-tertiary Teacher Unions do stand with our members and hereby declare a nationwide industrial action (strike) effective today, Wednesday, 20th March, 2024, to press home our demands.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh