Strike: Teacher Unions make wild declaration over Unpaid Arrears

Teacher unions in Ghana have declared a strike action by its members over unpaid “legacy” arrears due to them. The strike will commence on Monday, 9th December, 2019.

According to the three teacher unions – National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers – Ghana (CCT – GH), their earlier statement to the authorities, demanding immediate payment of “legacy” arrears was ignored, hence, the need to take this action.

“We gave our employer up to 5th December, 2019, to pay all the arrears due to our teachers, failure of which we would advise ourselves. 

“As we talk to you this moment, our plea has fallen on deaf ears, and the status quo remains. We can’t continue to tolerate this. indeed for how long shall they ignore our members, the Teachers, Surveyors of Education, and expect us to look unconcerned?”

On Friday, 28th November, 2019, the teacher unions staged a walk out in a meeting with Ghana Education Service (GES) and other governing authorities to register their displeasure and frustration about the delay in the salary arrears owed to some teachers within the period of 2012 to 2016 (Legacy arrears).

According to the Head of salaries and conditions of service – GNAT, K. Ahenawa-Quarshie, the Ghana Education Service pointed out some discrepancies in some payments for the arrears, for which they have been withheld. It included the following:

1. Some teachers were paid on ranks they are not on
2. Some have no records on the pay roll between 2012 to 2016
3. Some teachers were not owed arrears yet were credited with huge amounts

The teacher unions however disagreed with reasons because the arrears were approved by Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) before its submission.

They consequently gave the GES a one week ultimatum to settle the arrears or they take action.

At a press conference today, addressed by GNAT president, Philippa Larsen, and covered by ghananewsonline.com.gh, they noted that, since the authorities have decidedly ignored their demands, the teachers will as well embark on a strike.

“In light of this development, we, the Ghana National Association of teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers- Ghana, do hereby declare a strike action by our members, effective Monday, 9th December, 2019”.

Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh