NUGS wades into UTAG and government standoff, calls for action
The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) have bemoaned how the standoff between the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)and its employer, the Government of Ghana is affecting them [students].
According to the General Secretary of NUGS Anthony Kwame Julius, they [students] are disheartened about the situation due to the possible disruption it may bring to the academic works of students. He said some schools have not yet even vacated while also revealing that there are some batches of students still on campus studying at the University Of Ghana.
He blamed the situation on the entrenched positions of both parties where both government and UTAG members are not ready to barge and compromise on their positions.
Mr Julius also indicated that UTAG feels disrespected due to the posture of the government during negotiations for improved conditions of service and has urged the government to put measures in place to address their[UTAG] issues.
UTAG has issued an ultimatum to the government which if the right action is not taken before the October 8, deadline would see the association resume its suspended strike action. This follows the expiration of the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the two parties in August which led to the teachers association suspending a three-week-long strike action.
It however has stated that the employer has not shown any signs of coming to terms with them even after the [UTAG] members made some compromises in order to enable them to reach a deal with the government. If no concrete action is taken, it would see academic work in the various public universities suspended for the second time in less than three months.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
