NLC urges teacher unions to end strike before addressing demands
National Labour Commission (NLC)
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has issued a directive ordering the immediate cessation of the ongoing strike by the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU), which is affiliated with the Trades Union Congress, as well as the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff.
According to the NLC, the striking teacher unions will not be able to engage in discussions concerning their demands until they comply with this directive.
Following a meeting with the unions, Ofosu Asamoah, the Executive Secretary of the NLC, informed reporters that progress has been made in addressing some of the concerns raised by the unions.
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However, the NLC stressed that the resolution of the remaining outstanding issues is contingent upon the unions calling off their strike.
“According to the law, negotiations cannot take place while the strike is ongoing. It is not allowed, and wearing red bands is considered intimidating. You brought up three issues, and two have been resolved. The first one, concerning your allowances, has been settled. The issues at UMAT and UCC have also been resolved. The third issue, which is still under discussion, involves the party against whom you have filed a complaint. They admit their guilt, and now we need to sit down and determine how to rectify the situation,” stated Mr. Asamoah.
However, Mark Korankye, the General Secretary of the TEWU of the TUC, stated that the unions will consult with their members before making a final decision.
“The NLC has directed the Ministry of Finance to meet with us and resolve the matter by the 1st of February. There are also issues that GTEC needs to address regarding overtime and other matters. They have been urgently instructed to resolve these issues as well. The Commission is telling the unions to call off the strike,” he said.
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“Before we can make any pronouncement on this, we, as representatives here, need to confirm with our members and other leaders who are not present. We will convene a meeting with our members, most likely tomorrow or Friday, and discuss what transpired here,” he added.
The ongoing strike by teacher unions, including TEWU of the TUC, the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities, and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff, was initiated to protest the government’s alleged neglect of pension issues and the unjust termination of their overtime allowances.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
