In a significant development, the Government of Ghana and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have made substantial progress in their negotiations, paving the way for a potential end to the ongoing strike. The two parties met on August 19, 2024, at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR) Conference Room, where they discussed the concerns of CETAG members and reached a consensus on several key issues.
The meeting, which started at 10:07 a.m., was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), Ministry of Education (MoE), Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), and CETAG. After intense deliberations, the parties agreed on the following outcomes:
1. Adoption of University Nomenclature and Scheme of Service
Both parties agreed to adopt the nomenclature, Scheme of Service, and Conditions of Service of their affiliate universities for the migration of the Colleges of Education. This means that the colleges will now use the same titles and promotional structures as universities, including Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor. This move is expected to bring the colleges in line with international standards and improve the career prospects of their teachers.
2. Payment Plan for Migration Arrears
The parties agreed that payment after the migration will reflect in October 2024. They will meet again to discuss the payment plan for all arrears. This means that teachers who have been migrated to the new scheme will start receiving their new salaries in October, and the government will work out a plan to pay the arrears owed to them.
2. Compensation for All Year Round
The Ministry of Finance has completed the necessary groundwork for validated colleges and forwarded the information to the Ministry of Education for onward payment by the end of August. This means that teachers who have been working all year round will receive their compensation soon.
3. Payment of July Salaries
CETAG appealed to the Government Team to pay their salaries for July 2024, which were frozen due to their strike. The Government Team indicated its willingness to make the payment once CETAG calls off its strike action. This means that teachers will receive their July salaries as soon as the strike is called off.
3. Call-Off of Strike
CETAG representatives present at the meeting agreed to consult with their Council by the close of August 20, 2024, to call off the strike. This means that the strike may be called off soon, and teachers will return to the classrooms.
The meeting was a significant breakthrough in the negotiations between the government and CETAG. Both parties have shown a willingness to work together to address the concerns of teachers and find a lasting solution to the strike. The adoption of the university nomenclature and scheme of service is a major victory for CETAG, and the payment plan for migration arrears will bring relief to teachers who have been migrated to the new scheme.
The compensation for all year round and the payment of July salaries are also significant gains for CETAG. The call-off of the strike will bring relief to students who have been affected by the strike and allow them to continue their studies without interruption.
In conclusion, the meeting between the government and CETAG has brought hope to the education sector. Both parties have shown a commitment to working together to address the concerns of teachers and find a lasting solution to the strike. The adoption of the university nomenclature and scheme of service, payment plan for migration arrears, compensation for all year round, payment of July salaries, and call-off of the strike are all significant gains for CETAG and the education sector as a whole.
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