The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) remains steadfast in its decision to embark on a nationwide strike, citing the government's alleged failure to engage in negotiations over their conditions of service.
Dr Eliasu Mumuni, the General Secretary of UTAG, has highlighted discussions on base pay, with a focus on market premiums, as the pivotal issue that could prompt them to reconsider their stance.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Dr. Mumuni emphasized the significance of securing collective permission from UTAG members before proceeding with the strike. He stated that a meeting would be convened to announce a specific date for the commencement of the strike, pending the outcome of ongoing discussions.
“We need that collective permission for membership to say we are behind you, so go ahead. And within this period, we are working on that and prompting the NLC that this is how far we think we can come with the government when it has to do with our conditions of service,” Dr Mumuni explained.
He further outlined the steps taken by UTAG, including engaging all 15 campuses and notifying the Labour Commission. Dr. Mumuni indicated that if the government fails to address their concerns within the specified timeframe and after exhausting the formalities, the strike will proceed.
In related developments, both 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. Citing the commission's alleged bad faith, contempt, and lackadaisical attitude towards discussing crucial aspects of their conditions of service, both associations expressed frustration.
They asserted that they would no longer tolerate what they perceive as disrespect and lack of commitment in improving their conditions of service. UTAG and TUTAG warned that if meaningful progress is not achieved, the voices of university lecturers will soon be heard in a manner better understood by the government. The ongoing impasse raises concerns about the potential disruption of academic activities in universities across Ghana.
