UTAG defers strike action until further notice
University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has deferred its strike action until further notice.
Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu (National President) and Dr. Eliasu Mumuni (National Secretary) on 10th February 2024 signed a communique on UTAG Negotiation with the Government. In the communique, they called for the postponement of their announced strike action.
In the issued communique, UTAG said
“As previously communicated, UTAG signed the rules of engagement with the government in January 2023 to negotiate the Conditions of Service (CoS) for its Members and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG). The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), mandated as the technical body spearheaded the negotiation process alongside UTAG’s negotiation team and our sister association, TUTAG.
They “presented a comprehensive CoS proposal encompassing three key categories:
1. Payroll items
2. Non-payroll items
3. Non-monetary items
“After extensive deliberations, significant progress has now been achieved across all three categories. UTAG has agreed with the government on the payroll items, effective January 1, 2024. It is expected that the changes will be reflected on the payslips of Members as soon as practicable.
“Each Branch Executive engaged with their respective Management on the payroll/IGF-related items, and agreed figures are to be submitted to the FWSC for further action. Additionally, a joint committee comprising representatives from UTAG/TUTAG, FWSC, and VCG (Vice Chancellors Ghana) was established to address non-monetary items.
“This committee will convene to finalize decisions on these critical matters. Upon reaching agreements on these outstanding issues, UTAG will formalize the CoS document, effective January 1, 2024, subject to renegotiation every two years.
“Acknowledging the resounding support for strike action from all Branches due to the slow negotiation process, the National Executive Council (NEC) has decided to defer any strike action until further notice, given the signing of the agreement on payroll items and the forthcoming meetings on non-monetary and IGF discussions with FWSC.
“The National leadership and NEC express gratitude to all members nationwide for your patience and understanding throughout this process.
“Your unwavering support is deeply appreciated, and we remain committed to pushing for improved conditions of service and welfare for all UTAG members.
UTAG also extended their “thanks to the Employer for the cooperation, especially the Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Adutwum and his colleagues, Hon. Abena Osei Asare, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Hon. Bright Wireku-Brobby, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations for stepping in to expedite the negotiations on payroll items.”
They also appreciated and thanked FWSC for its effort so far, and we will continue to work in good faith with them to conclude negotiations on the outstanding items.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
