Three pre-tertiary teacher unions, Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH), have accused their employer, the government, of being adamant and demonstrating bad faith towards the plights and grievances of the teachers in the country.
“Since the negotiation of our collective agreement in 2009 and after the 2020 collective agreement, the unions have not known peace owing to the government continue failure to implement the allowances agreed on as well as fulfill promises given,” he explained.
At a joint press conference by the three teacher unions in Wa, read by the Regional Secretary of GNAT, Mr. Felix Owusu-Ansah, the unions said they have shown the employer good faith by reducing their proposed allowances from 17 to four and yet the employer was still engaged in feet-dragging gymnastics.
“Despite this gesture of good faith from the unions, the government is still adamant and has demonstrated bad faith. This has oftentimes culminated in high level despondency and disaffection for leadership,” he added.
They said teachers have been struggling with harsh economic conditions over the years especially in the last two years, following the employer's failure to honour their Collective Agreement.
Mr Owusu-Anasah said, “We wish to emphasize that the last 24 months have been the most tortuous for the Ghanaian teacher, with no ray of hope of relief initiated by the employer.”
The teacher unions gave the employer a one-week ultimatum to honour its promises and commitment to teachers.
“Consequently, we are giving the employer up to May 13, 2024, to address or concerns,” he stated.
The Regional Chairman of the CCT-GH, Mr. Alhassan Abdallah Salifu said the labour laws allow room for several industrial actions and the one to leverage could not be disclosed until the day was due.