The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) remains steadfast in its resolve to commence a nationwide strike, attributing the government’s alleged disregard for negotiating their conditions of service.
UTAG’s General Secretary, Dr Eliasu Mumuni, underscored that deliberations on the base pay, particularly regarding market premiums, represent the pivotal factor that could lead to a reconsideration of their decision.
Speaking to the press in Accra, Dr Mumuni revealed that UTAG members would gather to declare a specific date for the initiation of their strike.
He underscored the need for collective approval from the membership before proceeding, stating: “We need that collective permission for membership to say we are behind you, so go ahead.”
Dr. Mumuni highlighted ongoing efforts to engage all 15 campuses’ membership and prompt the National Labour Commission (NLC) during this period.
“If they are not able to reach us, and we have gone through the formality of engaging all the membership of all the 15 campuses, as well as prompting the Labour Commission, then we are good to go,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, UTAG and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) walked out of a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.
The associations attributed their exit to the commission’s alleged bad faith, contempt, and lackadaisical approach towards addressing vital aspects of their conditions of service.
Expressing dissatisfaction, they denounced what they perceived as gross disrespect and a lack of commitment to improving their conditions of service.