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A nationwide strike by teachers in Ghana could cripple academic work in state-run schools.
Leaders of at least four teachers’ union at a press conference in Accra Monday urged their members not to return to work as they demand payment of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) following the expiration of a June 30 deadline.
The unions comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT),National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Teachers and Education Workers’ Union (TEWU) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers -Ghana (CCT-GH) have also questioned the government’s long silence describing its posture as “worrying” and “insensitive”.
We reject the inequalities of salaries in the public service of this country. We have been compelled under the circumstances to publicly communicate to Ghanaians on our intention to go on strike, having gone past the June 30 deadline we gave to the government to pay the COLA. Consequently, we have decided to embark on a strike effective today (July 4).
“How come some public sector workers got more than 45 percent of their salaries and others are getting 4 and 7 percent? It is unheard off and therefore we have called for the review of the Single Spine Pay Structure. Some of us started calling for this COLA in February 2022 and no single invitation came forth”, their leaders said as they took turns to address the media.
The teachers are fighting for the payment of between 20% and 30% of their salaries as a Cost of Living Allowance.
The allowance according to the teachers will cushion them on the back of current economic conditions and the worsening plight of teachers.
Some stakeholders have said, even though the call for COLA is legitimate, teacher unions should use the opportunity to fight for a permanent solution to the challenges facing teachers.
Government had assured it was going to reach an agreement with the leadership of teacher unions, but that is yet to happen.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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