CETAG Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Delayed Compensation and Migration Issues

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has issued a stern warning to the government, demanding immediate action on unresolved issues concerning staff migration and year-round work compensation. These issues are part of the arbitral awards made by the National Labour Commission, which the union claims have not been fully implemented by the government. The association is growing increasingly frustrated, as it believes the government is deliberately withholding their rightful payments and benefits, even after four months have passed since CETAG called off its longest-ever indefinite strike.

CETAG’s main grievances stem from two issues: migration of Colleges of Education teachers onto the university payroll and compensation for extra duties performed in 2022. According to CETAG, only four out of the 46 Colleges of Education have received the year-round compensation they are owed. This means many teachers are still waiting for their payments. The migration process, which was supposed to take place by October 30, 2024, has also been delayed, leaving teachers in limbo.

The strike, which began on June 14 and ended on August 19, 2024, was primarily centered around the demand for one month’s salary as compensation for additional duties performed in 2022, in line with CETAG’s proposed salary grade. Another key demand was the migration of teachers from the college payroll to the university payroll system, as agreed upon by both parties in earlier meetings. However, despite these discussions and government assurances, CETAG claims that no tangible steps have been taken to fulfill these promises.

In an interview with Citi News, CETAG National President Maxwell Bunu expressed his association’s dissatisfaction, accusing the government of intentionally delaying the implementation of the arbitral awards without any valid justification. He warned that if these issues are not resolved by January 13, 2025, CETAG will initiate a nationwide strike, causing a major disruption to academic activities at Colleges of Education across Ghana.

“We want to make it clear to both the outgoing and incoming governments that if our demands are not met, no college lecturer will step into the classroom to teach starting January 13, 2025,” Bunu stated. He also emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the Nana Addo administration to take action before December 20, 2024, in order to avoid the impending strike.

CETAG’s concerns over compensation and migration highlight a broader issue of fairness and recognition for educators in Ghana. The union insists that teachers are entitled to these payments and adjustments, given their hard work and the additional duties they have taken on over the past few years. For CETAG, the government’s failure to address these issues amounts to a disregard for the well-being and rights of educators, who play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation’s students.

In addition to these concerns, CETAG also urges the government to honor its agreements regarding salary upgrades and to resolve the migration issue once and for all. The association’s leadership believes that these changes are not just necessary for the teachers, but for the overall betterment of the education system in Ghana.

CETAG has been vocal about the importance of teachers receiving fair treatment and compensation for the work they do. The union believes that the failure to address these issues has created an atmosphere of frustration and disillusionment among its members, leading to calls for more serious action. If the government does not act promptly, CETAG’s planned strike in January 2025 could severely disrupt the academic year, affecting thousands of students and teachers nationwide.

In conclusion, CETAG’s demand for the implementation of staff migration and year-round compensation is not just about fair pay, but about ensuring that educators in Ghana are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. The union’s leadership has made it clear that they will not hesitate to take further action if their demands are ignored, signaling a potential crisis in the country’s education sector if the government fails to act.