District GNAT joins strike

Nkoranza (B/A) Sept. 26, GNA - Members of the Nkoranza District Branch of Ghana National Association of Teachers have also joined the strike action called by the association pending government approval of the 10 per cent salary increase agreed on to be paid to them.

The teachers alleged in an interview with Ghana News Agency that the government had not treated them fairly, citing "inconsistencies in the negotiations and decisions taken on our salary adjustment." Mr. James Edjei Biney, District GNAT Secretary said teachers had noted with regret the statement by the Ministry of Employment thatif the government agreed to teachers' demands, there would be no funds for other development projects.

He described the statement as very unfortunate and expressed regret that the government was refusing to adhere to decisions already taken on teachers' salary increase.

The Government is alleged to have agreed on a 10 per cent salary hike for teachers, to take effect from March this year and also accepted to pay 25 billion cedis as special allowances for teachers by the end of September this year.

Mr. Biney said the delay and inconsistencies about the issues had necessitated the strike action by teachers, "who feel cheated and deceived".

"The government decided to shift payment of the 10 per cent salary adjustment from March to June and the special allowances from September to November this year and yet there are no signs as to whether this will be carried out.

"The leadership of the association has embarked on a series of meetings to work out effective strategies for the success of the strike action and also to ensure that members behaved properly during the period", the GNAT secretary said.

Meanwhile, teachers have been advised to monitor the media to be abreast with the exercise and government's response.