Three teacher unions declare nationwide strike

Three teacher unions have declared a nationwide strike effective Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The unions are the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT).

This action stems from what they describe as the government’s negligence in addressing their conditions of service.
Key grievances highlighted include the ongoing withholding of teachers’ salaries, unilateral changes to timetables without consulting the unions, and delays in the distribution of laptops to teachers.
Addressing the media, the National President of Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) King Ali Awudu said all teachers should heed to the directive.

Meanwhile the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) considered the strike unnecessary and urged the unions to return to the negotiation table.
The FWSC has urged the three teacher unions currently on a nationwide strike to reconsider their stance.

The unions have accused the commission of sluggishness in addressing their concerns regarding conditions of service.
However, Ing Benjamin Arthur, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, has rebutted these allegations, asserting that negotiations are underway to address the unions’ grievances.
Ing. Arthur expressed surprise at the unions’ decision to strike, noting ongoing negotiations aimed at addressing the teachers’ demands.

He mentioned that they had recently received funds from the Ministry of Finance to facilitate wage negotiations.
Although the ability to spend the funds lies with the Ministry of Finance, the Commission had informed the teacher unions about the availability of funds and scheduled a meeting for Thursday.