CETAG Refuses to Comply with FWSC Directive, Says If They Like They Can Take Them to Court

The College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has firmly stated that it will not adhere to the directive issued by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to end its ongoing strike.

Taking a firm stance, CETAG has challenged the FWSC to pursue legal action if it aims to enforce government adherence to its responsibilities.

On Friday, June 14, 2024, CETAG announced an indefinite halt to work, citing the government’s delay in implementing the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and agreed-upon service conditions.

The FWSC demanded that CETAG cease its strike immediately. The Commission criticized CETAG’s actions as a breach of trust, particularly in light of the government’s efforts to address their grievances.

Addressing the media in Accra on Friday, Benjamin Arthur, the CEO of the FWSC, stated: “The government has shown a spirit of cooperation because we are convinced that it is of mutual benefit, and it will advantage our nation to at least make some concessions for our peers instructing at the colleges of Education. The government’s intentions are sincere.

“Therefore, we implore them to return to their teaching duties. The strike is founded on mistrust.”

On the other hand, Prince Obeng-Himah, the President of CETAG, asserted during a conversation with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Friday, that the strike represents a lawful action taken to protect their constitutional rights.

“…It is a legal action we have taken to protect our economic rights and that is enshrined in the labour act which is under the 1992 constitution. We haven’t erred in any way. The law is on our side.

“We can tell our people that the law is on our side, they should rally behind leadership. Let’s carry through with the process until such a time that the govt complies.”