The National Council of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has responded to the appeal made by the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) to reconsider the ongoing strike action and resume academic work. In a detailed letter, CETAG has outlined its position, citing several reasons why PRINCOF's appeal is unacceptable.
Firstly, CETAG highlights the fact that PRINCOF has consistently facilitated the freezing of its members' salaries for embarking on legitimate strike actions to demand better conditions of service from their employer. This has happened on multiple occasions, including November 2018, August 2023, and July 2024.
Secondly, CETAG notes that since the publication of the staff audit report in September 2023, neither PRINCOF nor the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken concrete steps to ensure its implementation for CETAG members, leading to the current strike action.
Thirdly, CETAG expresses concern that PRINCOF's actions have emboldened the employer not to implement the National Labour Commission's (NLC) Compulsory Arbitration Award for CETAG. This has further exacerbated the situation, leading to the ongoing strike.
Fourthly, CETAG reveals that during the appearance of the government team and CETAG leadership at the NLC on June 20, 2024, the General Secretary of PRINCOF stated that it was PRINCOF that advised GTEC not to implement the staff audit report for CETAG members because, in their view, CETAG members do not deserve the same conditions of service as public university lecturers.
Fifthly, CETAG views PRINCOF's appeal as being in bad faith, considering the caveat put in their letter that PRINCOF stands ready to facilitate the payment of the frozen July salary only for CETAG members who return to the lecture halls. This conditionality is seen as an attempt to intimidate CETAG members into resuming work without addressing the underlying issues.
Sixthly, CETAG questions PRINCOF's ability to intervene on their behalf when they have taken part in the freezing of their July salaries and supported the claim by GTEC that their strike action was illegal.
Seventhly, CETAG argues that if PRINCOF agrees with GTEC and the Ministry that their strike action is illegal, then on what basis can PRINCOF intervene for their salaries to be paid?
Eighthly, CETAG blames PRINCOF for perpetuating injustice against its members by always taking sides with the employer during legitimate strike actions.
Ninthly, CETAG states that it will only consider PRINCOF's appeal if they can impress upon the employer to implement all outstanding Compulsory Arbitration Awards immediately.
Lastly, CETAG reiterates that their legitimate strike action will only end when the employer has fulfilled all their demands as contained in their strike declaration statement issued on June 14, 2024.
In conclusion, CETAG's response to PRINCOF's appeal is a call for genuine action, not empty promises. CETAG demands that PRINCOF channels its energies towards getting the employer to implement all outstanding Compulsory Arbitration Awards without further delays. The strike action will continue until the employer meets CETAG's demands, and CETAG urges its members to remain resolute and stand against any form of intimidation in their struggle for economic justice and fairness.
Hmmmm
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