The National Labour Commission (NLC) has released a statement detailing their directives on the implementation of the Arbitral Award by the government and the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG) after their meeting held on 31st August, 2023.
The meeting was called to address the ongoing ‘dispute’ between the government and CETAG regarding the implementation of conditions of service for CETAG members.
Appearance before the Commission
Representing the government was the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, while CETAG was represented by their President.
The parties appeared before the Commission on 30th August, 2023 to present their cases.
Observations made by the Commission
After hearing both parties, the Commission made several observations.
Firstly, they noted that the government had complied with their directives issued on 16th August, 2023, including the implementation of conditions of service from 1st January, 2023, payment of one-month salary as compensation to all entitled staff for additional duty performed in 2022, and fifteen working days leave to entitled workers for 2022.
SEE ALSO: Here is the Latest Update on the Payment of Teacher Trainees’ Allowance.
However, the Commission also observed that the government needed to provide timelines on its directives to the Principals at the Colleges.
The Commission also noted that CETAG was still on strike, indicating that they had not complied with the Commission’s Directive of 16th August, 2023 which directed them to call off the strike immediately upon receipt of the government’s letter.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education had written to the Controller and Accountant-General to suspend the payment of August salaries to members of CETAG because they did not work in August.
Directives given by the Commission
After considering all these factors, the Commission issued several directives.
Firstly, they directed that the collation of data for the payment of one-month salary as compensation to entitled staff for additional duty performed in 2022 should be completed by 15th September, 2023, and payment should be effected by 30th October, 2023.
Secondly, they directed the government to ensure that the various Colleges of Education implement the fifteen days leave for entitled workers for 2022 with immediate effect.
SEE ALSO: Summary Of Proceedings At NLC Hearing Between Government Team And CETAG On 30th August, 2023
The Commission also directed the government to ensure that the staff audit report of CETAG is given to the appropriate stakeholders by 1st September, 2023.
Finally, the Commission directed CETAG to comply with their earlier directive to call off the strike immediately and report compliance to the Commission in writing before they will intervene in the matter of suspension of the Respondent Members’ August salaries.
NOTE:
However, CETAG has not yet announced whether they will end the strike or not. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated on any updates.