CETAG threatens strike over gov’t’s alleged breach of salary, compensation agreements

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has expressed grave disappointment with the government, citing a “deliberate breach” of agreements concerning the remuneration and working conditions of teacher educators.

CETAG, whose members went on a two-month strike earlier this year before being persuaded to resume work, asserts that the government has failed to fulfil its promises despite signed agreements.

In a statement, CETAG highlighted agreements reached on July 24 and August 19, 2024, and criticised the government for failing to migrate CETAG members to the public universities’ salary structure by the agreed-upon deadline of October 2024.

According to CETAG, “the government has shown bad faith by not migrating CETAG members… in violation of the agreement by the parties.”

Beyond the salary restructuring, CETAG claims that a National Labour Commission (NLC) ruling from May 2023 entitling members to a one-month basic salary for extra work in 2022 remains unpaid.

CETAG noted that despite reassurances from top officials, including the Ministers for Education and Employment and Labour Relations, along with the Senior Advisor to the Vice President, no payments have been made.

“As of today, there has not been any feedback… regarding their failure to honour their assurances to members of CETAG by addressing the outstanding concerns,” the statement indicated.

CETAG leaders have voiced frustration over what they see as the government’s disregard for their essential role in teacher training.

“The inaction by the authorities is bad faith and disrespect to CETAG members who train the teachers the nation needs to improve its educational outcomes,” the statement continued.

It also referenced a public appearance by the Minister for Education, where CETAG claims he gave the impression that CETAG leadership acted in bad faith during negotiations earlier this year.

In response, CETAG asserted that the government has been engaging in “fruitless meetings” over the past two years, giving a false impression of progress on issues that have ultimately been ignored.

Emphasising that the welfare of its members is now a priority, CETAG cautioned that it would no longer tolerate what it called “deliberate short-changing” of its members.

“We shall soon advise ourselves accordingly as never before,” CETAG added.

Source: classfmonline.com