The Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) and the government have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step towards ending the strike that has left students stranded and campuses deserted since June 14.
The strike was called due to the government’s failure to implement agreed-upon arbitral awards and service conditions set by the National Labour Commission, leading to a standoff between CETAG and the government.
However, after intense negotiations, CETAG’s National Trustee, Maxwell Bunu, announced that most of their concerns have been addressed, paving the way for a potential end to the strike. Bunu stated that the issues of all-year-round work, de-freezing of the July salary, and payment of the August salary have been resolved, indicating a significant breakthrough in the negotiations.
He emphasized that CETAG’s leadership will discuss the agreement and make a decision on whether to end the strike, with a final announcement expected by the end of the next day. Bunu expressed optimism that the strike will soon be called off, citing the progress made in the negotiations and the need for academic work to resume.
Meanwhile, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour Awuah appealed to students who had gone home due to the strike to return to school, assuring them that plans are in place to make up for the lost academic time. Awuah tasked the Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) and CETAG to work together to ensure that the lost hours are made up in a short time, minimizing the impact on the next academic year.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding marks a significant step towards resolving the impasse between CETAG and the government, bringing hope to students and parents who have been affected by the strike.
With the agreement in place, attention now turns to the implementation of the agreed-upon terms and the resumption of academic activities, bringing an end to the uncertainty and disruption caused by the strike.
