The Government has expressed confidence in ending the continuous strike action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) across the country.
Addressing the media during Meet the Press Series on Sunday, the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Adutwum said he is committed to ensuring that the concerns of UTAG are addressed so that they return to the classrooms as soon as possible.
According to him, his outfit is still engaging with the leadership of UTAG; as it seeks to resolve the impasse with the union.
“Our University lecturers are on strike, but we continue to engage them as to how best we can get them back. As a Minister of Education, I have said I am a chief advocate for teachers and professors and when we find ourselves in this place. I do everything possible formally and informally, to make sure we come to some resolution.
“As we did the last time, we hope it will happen this time around. So we will continue to engage them to make sure that we can bring a resolution to this problem,” Dr. Adutwum reiterated.
Despite the various engagements from the National Labour Commission (NLC) among others with UTAG to resolve the impasse, the strike is entering the fourth week.
However, the University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has vowed not to call off their strike over conditions of service until their demands are met.
The National Labour Commission (NLC), some few weeks back declared the ongoing strike by UTAG as illegal.
The Commission said the action by the University Teachers Association of Ghana, (UTAG), is illegal and must be called off. This followed separate meetings held with the leadership of both associations on Thursday, January 13, 2022.
But in a statement, UTAG described as unfortunate claims by the National Labour Commission that their strike was illegal.
“Members were surprised at the NLC directive for the strike to be called off due to late notification, even though the NLC had deliberately evaded and frustrated the processes to serve them with notification. Members also expressed worry about the unhelpful posturing of the NLC because, UTAG’s intention to strike had always been in the public domain from the middle of 2021, yet the NLC had not been proactive in resolving the issues particularly with regard to the Government’s obligations to UTAG.
“Members resolved that they will not call off the strike until their demands have been met. They charged the National Executives of UTAG and the National Executive Committee to be proactive, resolute and resilient in championing the fight for better Conditions of Service.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Dzidzoamenu
