The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has embarked on an indefinite strike, effective today, Thursday, January 2, 2025, due to the government’s failure to meet its demands.
This decision was made during an emergency National Council meeting held on Monday, December 30, 2024, after the government failed to address their concerns despite earlier warnings.
CETAG, in a statement dated Tuesday, December 31, 2024, CETAG cited several unresolved issues, including the government’s non-compliance with the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitration Award issued on May 2, 2023.
This, according to them, is a breach of sections 167 (2 & 3) and section 64 (4) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
CETAG had initially raised these issues on September 26, 2024, and again on December 23, 2024, but the union claims that no substantial action was taken in response.
The Association has criticised the government’s prolonged delay in issuing new appointment letters based on staff audits and affiliate universities’ schemes of service.
CETAG accused the NLC of failing to enforce its own arbitration awards despite multiple written requests from the association. The strike is in accordance with section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
According to the Association, its members will not return to work until all their demands are met, and the last pesewa is paid into their accounts.
The statement noted, “At an Emergency National Council meeting of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) held on Monday, 30th December 2024, the Council resolved to embark on an indefinite industrial action with effect from Thursday, 2nd January, 2025. This decision follows the earlier notices of strike served on 26th September 2024 (referenced CET/GOV/N. S/24.9) and 23rd December 2024 (referenced CET/NC/NLC/24-12/001), of which the National Labour Commision (NLC) has failed to address the concerns raised.”
“Generally, this action has become necessary due to the employer’s continuous violation of signed agreements and roadmaps on the outstanding compulsory arbitration award issued by the NLC on 2nd May, 2023.”
