Striking teachers asked to resume work

Tema, Oct. 13, GNA - Mr Robert Addotey, Tema Municipal Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) on Wednesday appealed to striking teachers within the municipality to respect the country's labour law and resume work.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tema, Mr Addotey reiterated that by the Labour Act, the teachers had no mandate to embark on strike action.

He said the Consultative forum, made up of GNAT, the Civil Servants Association, the Ghana Registered Nurses Association and the Judicial Service Staff Association successfully concluded an agreement with the Government on September 29 over the adjustment of salary levels on the Ghana Universal Salary Structure for this year. Mr Addotey said an overall increase of 11.5 per cent was approved for members of the forum at the negotiations which "is fair." He therefore, reminded the striking teachers to respect the labour law and channel all grievances through GNAT their legitimate negotiating body.

The Municipal GNAT Secretary assured teachers that GNAT would continue to negotiate with the Government for improved working conditions for members and therefore, urged the striking teachers to reconsider their decision and return immediately to the classroom.

Touching on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government, represented by the Central Management Board, and the Forum, Mr Addotey assured members that the new salary levels would reflect in their pay packets, starting from the end of October.

He said in addition, payment of a special allowance of 25 billion cedis per month for four months would be effected according to an agreed format from October to December.

"In October and November, members would receive a month allowance each whilst in December they would be taking two months allowance," He added.