GHANA National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called on government and all stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that a new Collective Bargain Agreement (CBA) is signed before the end of 2017.
According to the teacher union, it was incumbent on the government to reach an agreement so as to avert any future labour unrest.
Addressing a durbar of teachers, educational workers and some industry players at Ajumako in the Central Region last week Thursday to mark World Teachers’ Day, Chairman of the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District branch of GNAT, Mr Bright Abekah-Mensah, revealed that the teacher union currently “does not have a Collective Agreement with government.”
He explained that the Collective Agreement between them (GNAT) and government expired way back in December, 31, 2012.
According to him, another issue that has threatened the labour front was the delay in paying all salary arrears due some of their members.
“Even though the union has reached an agreement with the ministry of finance and other institutions to fast-track the validation of the documents of the affected teachers for them to be paid, the process has not begun till now. This situation is sending a wrong signal among teachers, especially the affected ones,” he indicated.
For his part, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District Director of Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Philip Kwesi Incoom, in his address, underscored the need to improve the living conditions of teachers.
The GES district director further explained that education was a condition for national development, and the teacher was the ultimate definer of its reality.
Teachers, he noted, remains central to the delivery of quality education in Ghana.
“Teachers have the greatest responsibility to shape the future of our children,” he said.
“As the employer, (GES) believes that teachers must have the freedom and peace of mind to deliver. We shall continue to support you to give off your best,” Mr Incoom added.
Mr. Incoom, however, admonished teachers to exhibit the highest standard and ideals of the profession. “You belong to a unique profession, and also have a lasting influence on the lives of many, for this reason, you need to set yourself apart from all the negatives that defeat yours status,” he stated.
Story: Franklin Asare-Donkoh, Back from Ajumako, Central Region
