The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has announced the suspension of its three-week-old industrial action, effective immediately.
The decision, reached during a virtual National Council meeting held on 24th January, 2025, comes after what the association describes as the government’s partial fulfillment of National Labour Commission (NLC) arbitration awards.
According to a statement released by CETAG leadership, the suspension is based on several factors.
These include the government’s “current goodwill” in initiating the migration of staff in the Colleges of Education onto the University Salary Structure, which fulfills part of the NLC’s previous rulings.
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Furthermore, CETAG acknowledged the newly appointed Minister of Education’s expressed interest in engaging with the association to swiftly resolve outstanding issues.
The association also noted its concern about the negative impact the strike has had on students and the entire college community.
“We are not happy with the adverse effects that our strike is having on the college students and the entire college community,” the statement read, highlighting the impact of the prolonged action on the student body.
Despite the suspension, CETAG has made it clear that several key issues remain unresolved. These include:
- Payment of All Year Round Work Compensation (AYRWC) for additional work done in 2022 to 42 colleges.
- Payment of arrears for the 2023/2024 Book and Research Allowance (BRA), which depends on the implementation of an NLC Arbitral Award from May 2, 2023.
- Payment of the 2022/2023 BRA Top-Up arrears to eligible staff at Akrokerri College of Education.
- Addressing cases of non-migration and improper placement of some members.
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The statement from the leadership emphasized the need for the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD) to work together to resolve these matters promptly.
This, they said, is necessary to ensure lasting peace within the Colleges of Education.
“We wish to reiterate that there are outstanding issues emanating from the arbitration awards and the migration process that require [these bodies] to jointly see to their immediate resolution,” the statement elaborated.
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CETAG also expressed gratitude to its members for their unwavering support and loyalty throughout the strike.
“Leadership wishes to appreciate our members for the unflinching support, and the display of gallantry and loyalty during these challenging times,” the statement said.
Members have been urged to return to work immediately, with leadership pledging to ensure that “every single member is fully satisfied” through ongoing engagements.
The association also extended thanks to the National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), FWSC, GTEC, CAGD, and the media for their contributions during the final stage of the migration process.