Teachers declare nationwide strike over salary freeze, arbitrary calendar changes, lack of laptops
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) have announced a nationwide strike commencing today, Wednesday, 20 March 2024.
The unions cite the government’s alleged neglect in addressing their grievances regarding working conditions as the impetus behind the industrial action.
Among the key issues raised are the withholding of teachers’ salaries, unilateral changes to timetables without consulting the unions, and delays in the distribution of laptops to educators.
Speaking to the press, Mr Isaac Owusu, the National President of GNAT, underscored the severity of the situation, urging all teachers to adhere to the strike directive.
Mr Owusu highlighted concerns over the distribution of laptops to teachers, alterations to school calendars without union consultation, and the obstruction of teachers’ salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without following due process.
He declared the strike action effective immediately, citing persistent delays and unmet promises from the employer and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, alongside growing discontent among union members.
“The distribution of laptops to all teachers is of concern. The rampant changes in the school calendar without recourse to negotiation with the teacher unions is affecting the smooth operation of the service. Also, the blockage of teachers salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor without recourse to the laid down procedures is a major worry.”
“In the light of the above circumstances and given the delays and unfulfilled promises on the part of the employer and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and also threats from the rank and file of our members, we, the pre-tertiary teacher unions, do stand with our members and hereby declare a nationwide industrial action effective today, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to press home our demand,” he stated.
Source: classfmonline
