The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has announced its withdrawal from negotiations with the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, facilitated by the National Labour Commission (NLC).
This decision comes after the government failed to appear in court on 26th June, 2024, 14 days into the industrial action by CETAG.
The Association has expressed disappointment and frustration over the government’s absence in court, labeling it a deliberate disregard for their grievances.
“It is a deliberate attempt to delay and I think we don’t have to countenance it. They must also recognise that we are where we are because, we spent over a year attempting to negotiate with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission”
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According to the CETAG President, Prince Obeng-Himah, the government’s failure to appear in court means there is no evidence of compliance with the court’s orders.
““What it implies is that the employer did not go to court, let alone send any documentary proof of having complied with the court. So the NLC yesterday, had practically nothing to give to us,” he said.
CETAG has also criticized the government for repeatedly postponing meetings and for its failure to address their concerns.
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The association argues that the government’s actions demonstrate a deliberate attempt to delay and disregard their concerns.
They believe that after a year of attempts to negotiate with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the government’s repeated defiance of NLC orders, they have the right to take a firm stance.
“We attended 28 solid meetings. We weren’t making any headway. We had to trigger compulsory arbitration so that the right to negotiate will be taken from the Fair Wages and then the NLC set up neutral arbitrators.”
CETAG’s withdrawal from meetings with stakeholders is a clear indication of their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation.
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They believe that the government’s actions lack morality and have left them with no choice but to stand up for their rights.
“So I am not sure there is any form of negotiation. Now if they are saying they won’t engage us, having exhibited this goodwill, having gone through all the process, having waited for over a year. Having watched the government defy the orders of the NLC for over a year, having watched the government fail to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction yesterday, what morality has anybody to tell CETAG they are being unlawful or recalcitrant?,” he questioned.