We are unable to call off strike in spite of NLC directive -UG-UTAG

The University of Ghana division of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), says it will continue its strike, despite the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) ruling that the industrial action is illegal.

The association says its members are worried about the posturing of the NLC, ‘particularly with regard to the Government’s obligation to UTAG.’

On January 13, 2022, the National Labour Commission stated that the strike action by the Universities Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is illegal because it did not follow due processes prescribed by section 159 of the Sub-Part II of Act 651 on the settlement of industrial disputes.

The Commission asked UTAG to immediately call off its strike and resume work.

In a statement, the NLC said the issue upon which UTAG embarked on its strike (that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission should provide a copy of the Labour Market Survey Report) has already been settled.

However, the UG-UTAG says it finds the claim ‘diversionary, propagandistic and in bad faith.’

“Unanimously, UG-UTAG Members resolved that to the extent that their demands for improved Conditions of Service have not been met, they are unable to call off the strike in spite of the NLC directive,” it said in a letter.

UTAG wants government to restore the conditions of service that were agreed on in 2012, which pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42.

Currently, members of the association are paid a premium of $997.84