NLC to meet UTAG today over ongoing strike
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has invited the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to a meeting today, Thursday, to discuss the teacher union’s ongoing strike.
According to the Commission, the purpose of the meeting is to resolve the dispute between the two parties. It follows allegations by UTAG that the FWSC delayed the release of the Labour Market Survey report (LMS).
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has said it’s hopeful of reaching a consensus with government on resolving the current impasse.
UTAG members began a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday, January 10, to demand better working conditions.
Dr. Solomon Nunoo, the National President of UTAG, says, “It is too early to tell that we need to call off the strike at this time. At the NLC, we need to probe into what really the reason is for calling us to come to the table. The NLC’s job is to ensure that strike doesn’t take place at all. If you give them notice and nothing is done, the strike takes place. I have difficulty in understanding the rational behind the move,” he said.
UTAG, in a statement dated January 6, 2022, complained about what it refers to as the lack of trust that has so far characterized its engagements with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of UTAG thus resolved to withdraw teaching and related activities over the failure of the employer to adhere to agreed timelines.
UTAG members on all campuses are being asked to withdraw from teaching and other activities such as examinations, invigilation, marking of examination scripts, and processing of examination results.
The association has asked the government to reinstate the service conditions agreed upon in 2012.
A lecturer’s Basic plus Market Premium was set at $2,084.42 in 2012 under the terms of service.
UTAG has complained that the current arrangement has reduced the basic premiums for its members to $997.84.
