The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has successfully negotiated better terms for their service conditions with the government, thus they have decided to postpone any industrial action until later.
The three primary topics that UTAG brought before the government during meetings—payroll, non-payroll, and monetary issues—have all seen substantial progress in negotiations, according to a news release from UTAG.
As of January 1, 2024, UTAGS and the government have reached an agreement over the payroll items. The announcement stated in part, “It is anticipated that the changes will be reflected on Members’ payslips as soon as practicable.”
“Each Branch Executive engaged with their respective Management on the nonpayroll/IGF-related items,” according to UTAG, “and agreed figures are to be submitted to the FWSC (Fair Wages and Salaries Commission) for further action.”
The announcement further stated that “to address non-monetary items, a joint committee comprising representatives from FWSC, VCG (Vice Chancellors Ghana), and UTAG/TUTAG was established.”
According to UTAG, the committee will meet to make judgments on the outstanding key topics.
The group further stated that UTAG will formalize the CoS document, subject to renegotiation every two years, after achieving agreements on these unresolved concerns.
“Given the signing of the agreement on payroll items and the upcoming meetings on non-monetary and IGF discussions with FWSC, the National Executive Council (NEC) has decided to defer any strike action until further notice, acknowledging the overwhelming support for strike action from all Branches due to the slow negotiation process.”
UTAG conveyed its appreciation to all members across the country for their perseverance and comprehension during the procedure, as well as to the Education Minister, Finance Ministry, FWSC, and other relevant parties for their assistance in accelerating the payroll item negotiations.
