The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana is facing discontent among some grassroots members, who are considering going on strike. This action is in response to the government’s inaction in implementing the National Labour Commission’s arbitral awards, which were designed to enhance the working conditions of teachers in colleges of education.
The group had extensive negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for over a year, which led to mandatory arbitration before the National Labour Commission. However, they are concerned that the government has not kept its promises, leading to their decision to go on strike.
The group’s accusations against CETAG leadership include claims of collusion with the government, leading to their frustrations over unmet demands.
During a press conference on Tuesday, October 29, Suleman Mohammed Mustapha, the National Public Relations Officer for the group, stated that they would go on strike if their demands, such as being migrated onto the salary structure of university lecturers, were not addressed.
The Arbitral awards were granted two years ago and are soon coming to a close. Our indefinite strike spanned 72 days until the Office of the Vice President intervened and we decided to end it. We signed an MOU with the promise that by October we would be transitioned to the university salary structure.
No official has made any statements regarding the issue as of yet. Our national leadership is too closely tied to the government, so as concerned grassroots members of CETAG, we have decided to go on strike on November 8, 2024, in order to address the economic challenges we are facing,” stated Suleman Mohammed Mustapha, National Public Relations Officer of the group.
The situation is significantly affecting our members. Teachers at the universities are making a higher salary than we are despite having the same level of qualifications. The current state of services provided at colleges of education is deplorable and disrespectful, at best.
The highest rank in the colleges of education earns less than the lowest rank in the public universities. A chief tutor, the highest rank in colleges of education, earns less in terms of remuneration than an assistant lecturer, the lowest rank in public universities. This inequality is puzzling and a clear indication of injustice towards the lecturers in colleges of education. The National PRO questioned why the government is paying highly qualified lecturers like us below market rates.
