Any attempt to illegally freeze salaries would lead to legal action – CETAG warns gov’t

The Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) leadership has vowed to escalate its indefinite strike until the government implements the arbitral ruling and agreed service terms. It has also said that it would oppose any unlawful attempts to freeze members’ pay.

Beginning in June, CETAG has maintained that its strike is lawful and has charged the National Labour Commission (NLC) of disseminating false information about its activities.

The Association denied rumors that its members were not paid on time for the 2022–2023 academic year’s Book and Research Allowance.

Since CETAG members started their strike to protest the government’s tardiness in enforcing agreed-upon conditions, academic activity at Colleges of Education around the country have been suspended.

CETAG President Prince Obeng-Himang declared during a press conference in Kumasi that members will continue to walk out until all unresolved concerns are resolved.

“Any attempt to illegally freeze salaries would lead to legal action, as the strike is a legitimate response to the government’s delay in implementing the arbitral award and negotiated service conditions,” cautioned Mr. Obeng-Himang.

The Association also denied allegations that its members are conducting quizzes and tests for students during the strike.

CETAG clarified that students cannot take examinations if they miss more than 21 days of lectures/classes, according to the attendance policy of affiliate universities.

“The first of such misinformation was put across by GTEC two weeks ago that the Government had paid CETAG members an amount of GHS199 million as arrears for Book and Research Allowance for the 2022/2023 academic year. The fact is that as of today, Monday, 22nd July 2024, the Government has not paid any such money to members of CETAG,”  Mr. Obeng-Himang added.

“The second misinformation being peddled by some principals of colleges of education to students is that the affiliate universities shall conduct quizzes and examinations for the students whether the students are taught by the lecturers or not” he stated.

“This information is completely false because per the attendance policy of all the affiliate universities, a student cannot take an examination if he or she forfeits lectures/classes for more than twenty-one (21) days.”

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com