GNAT, NAGRAT and PTTAG Give Government 1-Week Ultimatum to Conclude Negotiations on Expired Conditions of Service.
The executive organs of Ghana's three major pre-tertiary teacher unions have given the government a one-week ultimatum to conclude negotiations on their expired Conditions of Service, warning of possible industrial action across the country’s pre-tertiary education sector.
According to a joint disclosure by the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PTTAG), a crucial engagement with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on Thursday, July 16, ended without a resolution. The deadlock occurred after the Commission indicated that it required a fresh government mandate to continue with the collective bargaining process.
This impasse follows a formal petition submitted by the teacher unions three weeks earlier, expressing concerns over the prolonged delay in reviewing their Conditions of Service. Their key demands include the promotion of eligible teachers and the implementation of the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance for teachers serving in deprived communities.
Speaking after the inconclusive meeting, PTTAG President King Ali Awudu expressed disappointment with the employer’s position, although he confirmed that the unions had agreed to grant an additional one-week extension to allow government to address the concerns.
"We are dissatisfied with the current position of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission regarding our allowances, particularly the 20 percent Deprived Area Allowance. Although our deadline expires tomorrow, July 17, we have resolved to give them an additional week to resolve these concerns. However, we wish to caution that the patience of our members is steadily wearing thin," he stated.
GNAT General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah criticised the relevant government institutions for failing to act on the unions’ concerns, warning that continued delays could weaken the trust and cooperation necessary for maintaining harmonious labour relations.
"We officially informed both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Education, yet no meaningful action has been taken. Once trust is eroded, the entire situation changes, and the direction we are heading is in the interest of neither party," he remarked.
Meanwhile, NAGRAT President Jacob Anaba assured members that the union leadership remains committed to protecting teachers’ welfare and will not accept any agreement that does not serve their interest.
"We want to assure our members that we are not prepared to accept just any offer. We will remain committed to securing a more favourable outcome on their behalf," he affirmed.
While the three teacher unions have reiterated their commitment to social dialogue and peaceful negotiations, they insist that the discussions must be successfully concluded within the seven-day extension period. They cautioned that failure to reach an agreement could affect industrial harmony in the sector and disrupt teaching and learning in public schools nationwide.