UTAG snubs NLC as strike action continues
The University Teachers Association declined the invitation extended to it by the National Labour Commission in a bid to address the former’s ongoing standoff with the government which is threatening the academic calendar of public universities.
According to the UTAG lawyers, “We honestly believe the more acceptable approach in the present circumstances is for our client to meet with the government side of the impasse to try and iron out their remaining differences.”
The NLC had extended an invitation to the government and UTAG on 7th February
This was after a court had told the NLC and UTAG to settle the labour issues out of court, following an unsuccessful suit by the commission.
UTAG has always raised concerns about the government’s commitment to meeting its needs.
“The lawyer made it clear that we signed a couple of MOAs [in the past], but the employer has not shown any good faith anytime the MOAs were signed,” the National Secretary of UTAG, Dr. Asare Asante-Annor, said.
UTAG has been on strike since January 10 to force the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012.
The 2012 conditions of service pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42.
UTAG has lamented that the current arrangement has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
