CETAG to End Strike Following Productive Meeting with Labor Ministry

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) is set to end its nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Ministry of Labor and Employment Relations. This decision comes after a crucial meeting held between CETAG leaders and government officials, facilitated by the Fair Wages Commission. The agreement marks a significant step toward resolving the issues that led to the prolonged disruption of academic activities at the country’s 46 public Colleges of Education.

The strike, which has been ongoing for two months, was initiated by CETAG in response to what they described as the government’s failure to implement the National Labor Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and to honor negotiated service conditions. The educators demanded improved working conditions, including better remuneration and the payment of outstanding allowances. Their grievances centered on the delayed implementation of agreements that had been previously negotiated and ratified.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed a commitment to the terms outlined in the newly signed agreement. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, the Minister of Employment and Labor Relations, underscored the government’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations. “I am appending my signature to signify the fact that I am committed or the government team is committed to that which we have agreed to in this document,” Baffour-Awuah stated.

The CETAG representatives also voiced their satisfaction with the outcome of the discussions. Speaking on behalf of the association’s more than 2,000 members, the CETAG leader at the negotiations affirmed the association’s commitment to the agreement. “On behalf of over 2,000 members of CETAG, I also want to assure the media and all that are here that CETAG is also committed to what has been put on this paper and therefore I wish to sign,” the leader remarked.

The strike, which began on June 14, effectively brought academic activities to a standstill at all public Colleges of Education across Ghana. The teachers laid down their tools to demand better working conditions and a fair remuneration package. Among their key demands was the payment of one month’s salary for additional duties performed in 2022. They also called for the application of agreed rates of allowances payable to public universities to be extended to eligible CETAG members.

The two-month-long strike caused significant disruption to the academic calendar, affecting thousands of students who were left in a state of uncertainty as the standoff continued. The impact of the strike was felt nationwide, with many stakeholders, including parents and students, expressing concern over the prolonged absence of teaching activities. The uncertainty created by the strike also raised questions about the ability of the institutions to complete the academic year as planned.

The Ministry of Labor and Employment Relations, recognizing the urgency of the situation, initiated a series of negotiations aimed at addressing the concerns raised by CETAG. The involvement of the Fair Wages Commission was pivotal in bridging the gap between the two parties, facilitating a dialogue that ultimately led to the resolution of the dispute.

As part of the agreement, the government has committed to paying the outstanding salaries for July and August 2024 by the end of the month. This payment is expected to provide immediate relief to the striking teachers, who had expressed frustration over the delays in receiving their due compensation. The timely disbursement of these funds was a key factor in CETAG’s decision to call off the strike.

The association is expected to hold a council meeting later this week, during which they will formally announce the resumption of academic activities. This announcement is eagerly anticipated by students and faculty alike, who are looking forward to returning to normalcy after the protracted disruption.